HC Deb 25 July 1977 vol 936 cc98-9W
Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average level of nitrates in the water in the United Kingdom, and the level in each region.

Mr. Denis Howell

The information is not available in the form requested. Nitrate levels fluctuate according to the time of year. Levels in the great majority of public water supplies in the United Kingdom are at all times well below the level of 50 mg/l recommended by the World Health Organisation. Of the remainder there are a few supplies which regularly exceed 50 mg/1 but, except for some isolated and temporary instances, nitrate concentrations have been kept within the level of 100 mg/1 judged by the World Health Organisation to be acceptable.

Mr. Corrie

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the Water (Lead Content) Report which was expected to be made available prior to the summer adjournment.

Mr. Shore

I hope to publish the report this week.

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