Mr. ErnieRoss asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the level of lead in parts per million in the water supply of Dundee district; and how that compares with the safety level recommended by the EEC.
§ Mr. RifkindThere is no lead in the water supplied to Dundee district. However, the supplies are plumbosolvent and, after running through lead pipes, may contain lead; Dundee's supplies have therefore been treated for plombosolvency since 1971. Sampling of water at consumers' taps has shown that lead levels are normally low and well within the levels required by the EEC directive on the quality of water for human consumption. No single figure can be given as levels vary from house to house depending on factors such as the presence and extent of lead piping, the length of time water has stood in the pipes, and the location of the house in the water distribution system.