Regulation 4 Authorisations—public supplies
The Secretary of State may, upon the written application of a water authority, authorise a relaxation of the provisions of Part II of these Regulations as respects the supply of water by that authority if he is satisfied—
that the authorisation is necessary, as an emergency measure, to maintain a supply of water for human consumption;
that the authorisation is called for by reason of exceptional meteorological con ditions; or
that the authorisation is called for by reason of the nature and structure of the ground in the area from which the supply emanates.
The Secretary of State may, in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (1)(c), authorise a relaxation of the provisions of Part II of these Regulations as respects the supply of water by a water authority notwithstanding that no application for such authorisation has been made to him.
A water authority shall at the same time as it makes an application for an authorisation under paragraph (1) serve a copy on the district or islands council in whose area is situated any premises in relation to which the authorisation is sought.