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 percentage of drinking water is carried through (a) blue asbestos pipes and (b) lead pipes.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of drinking water is carried through (a) blue asbestos pipes and (b) lead pipes. [101684] Mr. Morley: About 10 per cent. of drinking water is carried through white asbestos cement mains. There may be traces of blue asbestos in some white asbestos cement pipes. Water companies estimated in 1996 that about 35 per cent. of drinking water may be carried through lead connections between company mains and customers' supply pipes. While use of new asbestos cement pipes is prohibited, this is because of health risks associated with inhalation when cutting and working with the dry material. However, the World Health Organisation considers that a health-based guideline value for asbestos in drinking water is unnecessary.

Secondary information