to expect our landlady to provide water!!!!

[peachpud]

We are private tenants living in a very rural area and have a water supply that comes from a reservoir up the hill from us. We have had no water coming from the tap now for three weeks (hot or cold).....we complained initially and were basically told there was nothing she could do and we should know that this would always be a possibility with a private water supply (we have lived here ten years and this is a first)....I am at my wits end but we apparantly do not have a leg to stand on legally. (we have a farm business tenancy).. Any legal eagles out there know if this is the case. I have three children (10, 8 and 4) and it is ruining our summer hols. no dishwasher, washing machine and we are having to have baths at grandparents - NIGHTMARE..

Well I think the local authority would like to hear about it. You have school age children and water is an essential element of life.

Your local authority has a Housing Officer and that person has a responsbility for ensuring tenants in his/her area are treated fairly. In my view, your landlord must provide water and by tanker if necessary.

Ring your council and tell them what has happened. Just because you live in the country and it is summer makes no difference.

Who told you that you do not have a legal right to water?

Go and see the CAB and get some advice fast.

There are apparently new regulations brought in this year relating to private water supply. DWI website here

and also privatewatersuppliers website here

I was going to suggest council or CAB but they've already been suggested - YANBU its a basic requirement