Instant
01 · Ask
Softener, filter or full treatment?
Hard water marks, smells, private supply — describe the issue and the AI tells you what kind of system you need.
Install a borehole.
Private water supply borehole — drilled, pumped and tested. Where mains water is not available or cost-prohibitive.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Hire a water treatment specialist. Tested before treated.
Read the brief on testing, WRAS approval and maintenance — then let Three local specialists quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Water test reports, WRAS-approved kit, bypass valves, salt consumption, UV bulb life. Know what to ask.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 specialist quotes
Three local specialists quote on the same diagnosis — system, install, maintenance — so the soft water lasts.
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Top tips
Hiring a water treatment, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Test before you treat.
Hard water, iron, chlorine, bacteria — each needs different treatment. Insist on a water test before the installer recommends a system.
Check WRAS approval.
Any equipment touching drinking water must be WRAS approved. Cheaper kit often isn't — and Building Control will flag it.
Specify the bypass.
Softener installations should have a bypass for raw water (gardening, drinking water). Without a bypass, you're softening every drop unnecessarily.
Maintenance is the cost.
Filter cartridges, salt, UV bulbs — annual running cost can match the install. Get the maintenance schedule and cost in writing before signing.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Water softener (install)
£600–£2k
Whole-house carbon filter
£400–£1.2k
Reverse osmosis (under-sink)
£300–£900
UV sterilisation systemPrivate supply
£500–£1.5k
Iron / manganese filtration
£1.5k–£4k
Annual maintenance
£100–£400
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Water Treatment briefing.
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Water Treatment explained
Borehole installation provides private water supply. Rural properties off mains. Expect to pay £5,000–£15,000+ for UK borehole installation.
What Does the Work Involve?
Hydrogeologist surveys. Drilling rig drills 30-100m deep. Steel/PVC casing. Submersible pump installed. Pressure vessel. Treatment system (UV, filtration). Lab test water quality. Maintenance plan.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrogeology survey | 500 | 2,000 | Site investigation |
| Borehole drilling (per metre) | 80 | 200 | 30-100m deep |
| Pump and pressure system | 1,500 | 4,000 | Plus install |
| Treatment system (UV + filter) | 1,500 | 5,000 | Drinking water |
| Full borehole installation | 5,000 | 15,000 | Domestic typical |
| Annual water testing | 100 | 400 | Local authority |
| Maintenance contract | 300 | 800 | Annual |
UK Regulations
Private Water Supplies Regs 2016. Annual local authority risk assessment for >50 people/commercial. Environment Agency abstraction licence over 20m³/day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Borehole worth it?
Rural off-mains: essential. Cost recouped vs lifelong water bill. £5,000-£15,000 investment.
Drinking water safe?
Treatment essential. UV + filtration removes bacteria. Annual testing.
Abstraction licence?
Domestic small use exempt. Commercial or >20m³/day: EA licence.
How deep borehole?
Typical 30-100m. Hydrogeologist advises based on aquifer.
Maintenance cost?
£300-£800/year — pump, filter, UV bulb, testing.
Mains connection alternative?
If mains nearby: connection £5,000-£20,000+. Borehole often cheaper.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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