Written question asked by Stephen Hepburn (Labour) on Friday, 23 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 May 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 6 May 2004 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 checks are made to ensure that the water companies provide water that is fit for human consumption; and how often they are made. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what checks are made to ensure that the water companies provide water that is fit for human consumption; and how often they are made. [168877] Mr. Morley: Water companies in England and Wales have a duty to supply wholesome water. The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000, or in Wales the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001 set out the numbers and types of samples that water companies must take to fulfil this duty. One of the roles of the Drinking Water Inspectorate is to ensure that water companies carry out the requisite checks. During 2002 more than 2,973,500 regulatory tests were carried out, of which 99.87 per cent. demonstrated compliance with the relevant water quality standards. The Drinking Water Inspectorate investigates all incidents affecting water quality which includes an assessment of additional samples taken to determine water quality.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 420 c1672W; 168877
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Enforcement Drinking water Standards Water supply Testing Water companies
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk