Written question asked by Stephen Hesford (Labour) on Monday, 27 April 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 April 2009. It was answered by Baroness Primarolo (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 May 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Drinking Water

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has (a) undertaken and (b) evaluated on the comparative effects on health of bottled water and tap water.

Answer: No research has been undertaken or evaluated by my Department on this matter.Both bottled water and tap water must comply with legislation that establishes safety limits for chemicals and microbes in the water. These requirements are similar for both tap water and bottled water.The safety and quality of the public water supply is regulated in England by the Drinking Water Inspectorate and that of private water supplies and bottled water by local authorities.

Secondary information