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Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what sanctions can be used against local authorities which have failed to test private water supplies for pesticides since 1991. [208310] Mr. Morley: Local authorities have a duty in section 77 Water Industry Act 1991, to keep themselves informed of the wholesomeness and sufficiency of public and private water supplies to premises in their areas. In addition, authorities have a duty in the Private Water Supplies Regulations 1991 to monitor at prescribed frequencies for pesticides in larger supplies, and to monitor for pesticides in smaller supplies from time to time in order to ascertain and record the extent to which pesticides are present. The Drinking Water Inspectorate have inspected some local authorities' arrangements for monitoring private water supplies, including collation of information gathered about monitoring for pesticides. Local authorities are subject to the courts' judicial control. It is for an individual affected to bring proceedings in appropriate circumstances. An individual can also apply to the Local Government Ombudsman if he or she has an unresolved complaint.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

208310; 429 c944-5W;429 c948-9W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Accountability Local government Private sector Pollution Monitoring Pesticides Water supply Testing Residues

Legislation

Water Industry Act 1991

Private Water Supplies Regulations 1991

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk