Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 October 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 14 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What monitoring is conducted (i) by his Department and (ii) on behalf of his Department and agencies which report to his Department on the effects of the concentration of copper deposits in drinking water supplies dormant for periods of over six hours.

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what monitoring is conducted (i) by his Department and (ii) on behalf of his Department and agencies which report to his Department on the effects of the concentration of copper deposits in drinking water supplies dormant for periods of over six hours. [40474] Mr. Clappison: The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 require water companies to take a specified number of samples for analysis for copper each year from consumers' taps in randomly selected properties in each of their water supply zones. The specified number is between one and 24 samples per year depending on the size of the zone. The samples collected are the first litre of water drawn off by the sampler. This water will have been in contact with any pipework, including copper pipework, for varying periods including up to six hours and possibly more. The results are provided annually to, and are audited by, the drinking water inspectorate. In 1995 the 31 water companies in England and Wales analysed 10,616 samples for copper. All samples were within the standard in the regulations of 3,000 micrograms per litre.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 40474; 282 c810W;282 c808W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Drinking Water Inspectorate Pollution Monitoring Water Water supply Copper