Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 July 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 July 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on drinking water quality in England since 1993. - Inc figures and fact that Drinking Water Inspectorate Annual Report in Library.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on drinking water quality in England since 1993. [125652] Mr. Morley: Standards of public drinking water supplies have improved year on year since the Drinking Water Inspectorate was set up in 1990. The Chief Inspector's Annual Report published on 9 July 2003 reveals that 99.87 per cent. of more than 2.9 million tests carried out in England and Wales during 2002 met all the national and EU drinking water quality standards. 10 years ago nearly 37,000 tests failed to meet these standards. Last year, that number was just 3,741. A copy of the Report is available in the House Library.

Secondary information