# The Surface Waters (Abstraction for Drinking Water) (Classification) Regulations 1996, Note: Explanatory note


(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations prescribe a system for classifying the quality of inland freshwaters according to their suitability for abstraction for supply as drinking water.
The classifications DW1, DW2 and DW3 reflect the mandatory values assigned by Directive 75/440/EEC (quality required of surface waters intended for abstraction of drinking water) to the parameters listed in Schedule 1 to the Regulations.
The Regulations also incorporate the methods of measurement, and frequency of sampling and analysis, for those parameters laid down in Directive 79/869/EEC.
The Regulations, together with regulation 23 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 and the Surface Water (Abstraction for Drinking Water) Directions 1996, complete the transposition of Directives 75/440/EEC and 79/869/EEC for England and Wales.
Copies of the Surface Waters (Abstraction for Drinking Water) Directions 1996 may be obtained from—
Water Quality Division,
Department of the Environment,
Romney House,
43 Marsham Street,
London SW1P 3PY.
Environment Division,
Welsh Office,
Cathays Park,
Cardiff CF1 3NQ.
A compliance cost assessment of the effect that these Regulations would have on the cost of business is also available from the offices listed above.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/3001/note (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/surface-waters-abstraction-for-drinking-water-classification-regulations-1996/note
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.