§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce measures to ensure that private water suppliers should be under some duty as to the quality of water they supply for human consumption.
§ Mr. WaldegravePrivate water suppliers have a common law duty of care and may have contractual obligations concerning the quality of water which they supply. Local authorities have a statutory duty to ascertain the wholesomeness of water supplies and powers to secure improvement or closure. The extent to which any further measures may be needed is being considered in my Department in relation to the EC directive relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption (80/778/EEC), which comes into effect in July 1985.
§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to ban tin/lead solders for copper pipes for potable water supplies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveFurther evidence is being collected, and no decision has yet been reached concerning a ban. However, it is intended to provide water undertakings with powers in future model water byelaws to refuse to connect134W a supply to new plumbing systems where the undertakings considers that tin/lead solders may lead to high lead levels in the water supply.