# The Surface Waters (Classification) Regulations 1989, Note: Explanatory note


(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations prescribe the system of classifying the quality of inland waters (as defined in section 103(1)(c) of the Water Act 1989) according to their suitability for abstraction by water undertakers for supply (after treatment) as drinking water.
The classifications DW1, DW2 and DW3 reflect the mandatory values assigned by Annex II to Council Directive 75/440/EEC, (OJ No. L 194, 25.7.75, p.26) (concerning the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water) to the parameters listed in the Schedule to the Regulations.
The classifications are relevant for the purposes of setting water quality objectives for rivers, lakes and other inland waters under section 105 of the Act and for ascertaining the treatment to which the water is to be subjected before it is supplied for public use, in accordance with Part VI of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/1147).

---
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1148/note (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/surface-waters-classification-regulations-1989/note
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.