Written question asked by Chris G Davies (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 January 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 January 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: If he will require North West Water and Yorkshire Water to provide assurances regarding the safety and stability of Pennine reservoirs with earth dams following the exceptional weather conditions.

Answer: Mr. Chris Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will require North West Water and Yorkshire Water to provide assurances regarding the safety and stability of Pennine reservoirs with earth dams, following the exceptional weather conditions; and if he will make a statement. [7671] Mr. Clappison: Water companies are responsible for the safety of all earth dams they own or operate under all weather conditions. The structural safety and stability of large raised reservoirs and dams are safeguarded through the operation of the Reservoirs Act 1975. Under the Act, water companies have to employ civil engineers who provide ongoing supervision with reports on safety at least once a year, and expert inspecting engineers who make a detailed safety assessment at least once every 10 years. Where this is judged necessary, the supervising engineer may call for a detailed safety assessment at any time.

Secondary information