Farmers are facing yearly charges of up to £600 to have their private water supplies compulsorily tested, warns Preseli Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Paul Davies.
Local councils will be given wide‐ranging powers to test private water supplies and pass the costs on to farmers under a European Council Directive.
"Once again farmers are facing more red tape and more expense thanks to European meddling," said Mr Davies.
"These proposals could cost farmers up to £600 a year just for the visit, the testing and the risk assessment, let alone the cost of any improvements that may be required to the water supply."
The proposals were outlined in a Welsh Assembly Government consultation paper which proposes that council workers sample private supplies at least once a year. The Private Water Supplies (Wales) Regulations 2009 aims to determine whether water is wholesome and clean or a risk to human health.
Local Authorities will be allowed to charge fees of between £75 and £435 to carry out the monitoring as well as up to £100 for each risk assessment and up to £80 for each sampling visit. And if the water quality fails to meet standards, the owner will be forced to pay for improvements.
"Under the proposals, local councils will be given sweeping powers to enter premises to carry out these tests and a licence to charge high fees.
"Many farmers rely on private water supplies and I would urge them to make their feelings known to those carrying out the consultation."
*Send your submissions to the Private Water Supplies Regulations by post to Phil Chatfield, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ or by e‐mail to: water.consultations@wales.gsi.gov.uk