Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 4 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 March 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 March 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, what steps she is taking to ensure that lead pipes carrying water into domestic properties are replaced.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that lead pipes carrying water into domestic properties are replaced. [101677] Mr. Morley: Drinking water must meet a regulatory standard for lead in the water supplied at consumers' taps. Water companies must treat plumbosolvent water where there is a risk that public water supplies might not comply with this standard. We are required to take all appropriate measures to reduce as much as possible the concentration of lead in drinking water supplies in order to meet the standards for lead set by the European Drinking Water Directive. We are encouraged by the results of water companies' treatment programmes to reduce plumbosolvency. It is likely that these will reduce significantly the need to replace lead pipes to the benefit of all customers. The need for water companies to replace lead pipes, mainly to meet the final lead standard that comes into force in 2013, is being considered as part of the next periodic review of water companies' prices. The customer's supply pipe remains the responsibility of the customer.

Secondary information