Regulation 20 Collection and analysis of samples
An islands or district council shall secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that in taking, handling, transporting, storing and analysing any sample taken for the purposes of these Regulations, the appropriate requirements are satisfied.
In paragraph (1), “the appropriate requirements” means such of the following requirements as are applicable:—
that the sample is representative of the quality of the water at the time of sampling;
that the sample is not contaminated when being taken or subsequently;
that the sample is kept at such temperature and in such conditions as will secure that there is no material alteration of the concentration or value for the measurement or observation of which the sample is intended;
that the sample is analysed as soon as may be after the time it has been taken—
by, or under the supervision of, a person who is competent to perform that task;
with the use of such equipment as is suitable for the purpose;
by applying such analytical systems and methods as are capable of establishing, within acceptable limits of deviation and detection, whether the sample contains concentrations or values which contravene the prescribed concentrations or values or, as the case may be, the relaxed concentrations or values specified in an authorisation granted under Part II; and
that any laboratory at which samples are analysed has a system of analytical quality control that is subject from time to time to checking by a person who is—
not under the control of either the laboratory or the council; and
approved by the Secretary of State for that purpose.
Within 28 days of the results of analysis of any sample of a private supply taken from any premises being available to the council which took the sample, the council shall notify the owner of those premises of the results of that analysis and any other person who is to be charged under regulation 21(1) for the taking and analysis of the sample from those premises.