Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 March 1997. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What steps he is taking to ensure that in each water company area in England the water is safe to drink.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that in each water company area in England the water is safe to drink. [19305] Mr. Clappison: The main task of the drinking water inspectorate is to check that water companies supply wholesome drinking water and in doing so comply with the requirements of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989, as amended. The results of the inspectorate's checks are published in its annual reports. The inspectorate also investigates incidents which adversely affect, or threaten to affect, drinking water supplies. Local authorities can also carry out their own monitoring.

Secondary information