unauthorised water treatment units to get extra water.

People could become sick drinking water from wells which are treated by units that have not been checked correctly, said chief Environmental officer Mr.

Patrick Mayers.

And people installing units need a permit for which there is a fee under Government regulations.

"Many people are purchasing RO units to supplement their tank water supply,'' Mr. Mayers said. "However, they are unaware in most instances of the controls under the Public Health Act 1936, and fees payable under Government fees regulations.

"This has given rise to a number of problems including unauthorised use of well water for drinking water and non-payment of fees.'' Recent droughts have increased the consumer demand for RO units. The market appeal for RO units is the ability to convert well water of varying salinity to drinking water.

The amount of drinking water that can be produced by the unit varies from several hundred gallons per day to thousands per day.

Mr. Mayers said many consumers are unaware that the Public Health Act states that well water may not be used for drinking water unless approved by the Health Department.

He said well water may contain harmful bacteria and chemicals which are not detected by taste. One of the conditions of approval is that well water is properly treated, disinfected and meets Bermuda drinking water standards, which is normally the case in satisfactorily installed and maintained RO units.

Permits for well water and RO units are issued on an annual basis after inspection and testing of the water. Health department permits cost $50 for domestic units and $285 for non-domestic units.

A spokesman said: "As a service to RO owners the Health Department will conduct limited bacteriological and chemical analyses, two or three times a year, at no additional charge to the consumer.'' Mr. Patrick Mayers.