Water Supplies: Nitrate Content (Hansard, 19 October 1988)

§ The Earl of Arran
My Lords, we are looking at the whole problem of nitrate in drinking water supplies and we hope to make a Statement shortly. In the meantime we have asked water undertakers to prepare programmes which will achieve compliance with the nitrate parameter of the EC Drinking Water Directive as soon as practicable. These programmes have been received and are now being studied.

§ Viscount Hanworth
My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for that reply. Am I correct in thinking that the 1124 EC limits were imposed not on health grounds but to avoid turbidity in the water supply? Is it also true that there may be some danger to small babies and very young children from excessive nitrates in the water? Can he also say whether the same problems are being experienced by other countries in Europe in finding that their water supplies are not meeting the requirements?

§ The Earl of Arran
My Lords, perhaps I may take the last part of the noble Viscount's question first. In terms of geography, I understand that there are greater nitrate levels in some European countries, notably in France and Germany. As regards the safety level, particularly for babies, I assure the noble Viscount that nitrate levels in public supplies are quite safe. No connection with, for example, stomach cancer, has been substantiated; nor has there been a case of blue babies for the last 15 years.
To return to the first part of the noble Lord's question concerning the turbidity, I repeat that all public supplies are safe to drink. However, water undertakers are committed to improving the colour, odour and appearance of drinking water in areas where it is necessary. It is not a widespread problem and does not constitute a health risk. Your Lordships may be assured that, where necessary, steps are being taken by water undertakers to bring the supplies up to the standards required.

§ The Earl of Radnor
My Lords, does not my noble friend agree that the EC limit was set far too high, that it is unrealistic, and that in many areas in this country it will be completely unattainable? Is my noble friend also aware that there is a large body of opinion in this country which is disappointed that the limit was agreed to at Brussels by our Government?

§ The Earl of Arran
My Lords, the level of nitrate content in the water was set by the World Health Organisation in 1970. The EC recommended nitrate level in drinking water is 50 milligrams of nitrate per litre. It was originally 80 milligrams but has since been reduced.

§ Baroness Nicol
My Lords, can the Minister say when the Government intend to publish the Halcrow Report? Will he confirm that that report indicates that the present monitoring programme for ground water is seriously inadequate? Does the noble Earl agree that there is an urgent need to introduce water protection zones—we have asked about this on many occasions—especially in high-risk areas and while any proposed trial treatments are being contemplated?

§ The Earl of Arran
My Lords, water protection zones as an option are under consideration at the moment by Her Majesty's Government. I can tell the noble Baroness that a group of government officials, assisted by the water industry, has undertaken research study into alternative ways and the cost of solving the nitrate problem in different locations, including the use of denitrification processes and protection zones. The report is nearing completion.

§ Baroness Nicol
My Lords, can the Minister answer my question about the Halcrow Report, which is already in his hands?

§ The Earl of Arran
My Lords, I understand that the report is still being considered.

§ Viscount Montgomery of Alamein
My Lords, can my noble friend reassure the House that the expression "water undertakers" that he has continually used has no conection with the providers of funeral services?

§ The Earl of Arran
My Lords, I am more than happy to oblige my noble friend.

§ Lord Glenamara
My Lords, is it not true that the excess of nitrates is due to the excessive use of nitrogenous fertilisers in farming, encouraged by the EC subsidies for grain production? We have not only grain mountains but polluted rivers too. Would it not help if the Government encouraged farmers to return to the rotation of crops and the use of good old-fashioned muck—farmyard manure—instead of sacks of fertiliser?

§ The Earl of Arran
My Lords, there are many reasons for excessive nitrate content in drinking water. The use of fertilisers is one of them but the type of soil and the location in the country are also relevant.

§ Baroness Nicol
My Lords, will the Minister confirm that the Government support of the "polluter pays" principle holds good for water? It is unfair that those who are polluted against should have to foot the Bill.

§ The Earl of Arran
My Lords, with respect, that is somewhat muddying the issue.