§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what efforts have been made to meet the standards as set out in directive 80/778/EEC; what are the current difficulties encountered; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Moynihan[holding answer 25 November 1988]: Considerable efforts have been made, and will continue to be made, to meet the standards set out in the EC drinking water directive (Directive 80/778/EEC). Since the directive was agreed in 1980 water authorities and water companies have undertaken substantial programmes of improvement. In 1987–88 alone water authorities spent £400 million on their water supply functions. Programmes of improvements and investment will continue when the water industry is privatised. Current difficulties stem from the fact that some of the requirements relating to the parameters in the directive and their interpretation do not have a sound technical basis or take account of the practical circumstances of the water treatment and distribution systems.
Public water supplies in the United Kingdom are safe to drink. Good progress continues to be made towards full compliance with the directive. Most public water supplies for which derogations have been granted by the Department or sought from the European Commission are expected to comply over the next few years.