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16/09/2008
Scottish Tap Water Quality At Record High
Scots are enjoying the highest quality of drinking water ever, according to a report published today.
The most important checks, on the microbiological quality of our drinking water, recorded the best results since regulations were introduced 17 years ago.
The annual report of the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) into the quality of supplies for 2007 found over 99% of all tests complied with strict regulatory standards.
More than 363,000 tests - almost 1,000 tests for every day of the year - were carried out. Of the 160,000 carried out on samples taken directly from taps in people's homes 99.76% passed - an increase of 0.1% on the previous year.
While the quality of supplies improved overall, the DWQR warned that the number of complaints received by Scottish Water from consumers remained unacceptably high. He also reminded local authorities of their responsibility in ensuring the quality of private water supplies, the standard of which can vary considerably.
The Drinking Water Quality Regulator, Colin McLaren, said: "I am delighted that the 2007 results show tap water in Scotland is of the highest quality. Scottish Water has come a long way since it was formed in 2002.
"However, I was disappointed that in 2007 some consumers had to boil their drinking water after the bug Cryptosporidium was detected in their supply. Although these incidents occurred after exceptionally heavy rainfall, I expect Scottish Water to be able to treat water to the required standard in all conditions. This is clearly still not the case everywhere and Scottish Water must work harder to achieve this aim."
(GK/JM)
The most important checks, on the microbiological quality of our drinking water, recorded the best results since regulations were introduced 17 years ago.
The annual report of the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) into the quality of supplies for 2007 found over 99% of all tests complied with strict regulatory standards.
More than 363,000 tests - almost 1,000 tests for every day of the year - were carried out. Of the 160,000 carried out on samples taken directly from taps in people's homes 99.76% passed - an increase of 0.1% on the previous year.
While the quality of supplies improved overall, the DWQR warned that the number of complaints received by Scottish Water from consumers remained unacceptably high. He also reminded local authorities of their responsibility in ensuring the quality of private water supplies, the standard of which can vary considerably.
The Drinking Water Quality Regulator, Colin McLaren, said: "I am delighted that the 2007 results show tap water in Scotland is of the highest quality. Scottish Water has come a long way since it was formed in 2002.
"However, I was disappointed that in 2007 some consumers had to boil their drinking water after the bug Cryptosporidium was detected in their supply. Although these incidents occurred after exceptionally heavy rainfall, I expect Scottish Water to be able to treat water to the required standard in all conditions. This is clearly still not the case everywhere and Scottish Water must work harder to achieve this aim."
(GK/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
