Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 March 2000. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 March 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what steps he is taking to replace lead water pipes; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to replace lead water pipes; and if he will make a statement. [112815] Mr. Mullin: The new Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) tightens the standard for lead in drinking water from its current 50Þgmg/to 25Þgmg/1 by 25 December 2003 and to 10Þgmg/1 by 25 December 2013. Where action is necessary to meet these standards, water companies will first treat water to reduce its ability to dissolve lead from pipes, or will optimise that treatment where it is already in place. Replacement of company lead pipes will be needed where water treatment fails to achieve the standards-- mainly soft-water areas. This will become fully apparent only after optimised treatment has been in place for some months. Pipework within the property boundary will remain the responsibility of the property owner. Local authorities have discretionary powers to pay grants to help homeowners to replace lead piping in their properties.

Secondary information