- Date released: 3 June 2025
- Request Number: 202505001
- Release of information under: Environmental Information Regulations (EIR)
Information requested
[In reference to ONR’s response to HPGE202504003 regarding Sizewell desalination permitting:
“Thank you for your emails dated 7 April and 25 April 2025 regarding desalination permitting at Sizewell C.
With regards to the water supplied to the site from the proposed desalination plan, we understand that this is intended initially for industrial purposes, e.g. concrete batching. If, at a later stage, Sizewell C Ltd were to decide to use the water for drinking water purposes, we will expect Sizewell C Ltd to ensure that all applicable legal requirements are met.
In relation to the Environment Agency’s assessment of the discharge authorisation application for the desalination plant, ONR will provide any assistance within our regulatory purposes if this is requested.
We hope the above has been helpful in answering your query.”]
Please confirm the ONR sources for "all applicable legal requirements" (final sentence of para 2 above) with specific reference to the "applicable legal requirements" concerning the radionuclide content of any "potable water" that may be produced by the proposed Sizewell C desalination.
Information released
We confirm that we do not hold the information you have requested.
In the event that Sizewell C Ltd decided to use the desalination plant to supply potable water (i.e. for human consumption), we understand from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) website that the company would be considered to be acting as a private water supplier, and would be subject to the relevant regulations (Private Supply Legislation - Drinking Water Inspectorate). In addition, the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016, as amended, outline the standards that must be adhered to. These regulations require risk assessments and, if necessary, monitoring for specific radionuclides. According to the DWI website enforcement of the regulations is by the relevant local authority.
ONR does not have any enforcement powers in relation to these regulations. We therefore advise that you may find the DWI website helpful as it has extensive information and guidance on matters relating to private water supplies, or you can contact DWI directly at: dwi.enquiries@defra.gov.uk.
Exemptions applied
N/A
PIT (Public Interest Test) if applicable
N/A