§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the areas in Wales where domestic water supplies are affected by lead contamination.
§ Mr. GristAll areas in Wales should, by the end of next month, comply with the lead standard in the EC directive relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption (80/778/EEC).
817WThe new Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989 No. 1147) set a tighter standard for lead in drinking water than the EC directive, reflecting the Government's long-standing policy of reducing exposure to lead in the environment. These regulations provide that where there is a risk that even a single sample might exceed the standard, the water undertaker shall treat the water to remove the risk, if this is practical, or consider replacement of the lead piping. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has accepted an undertaking from Dwr Cymru that all supplies which might potentially breach the new standard will be identified and, where appropriate, remedial measures determined by April 1991. This exercise is in hand.