HC Deb 02 February 1983 vol 36 c118W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what alternatives to boiling water his Department has investigated as a recommendation to water consumers affected by the strike in the water industry; if, in view of the cost of boiling water, he will investigate the use of additives to water; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Giles Shaw

Once a water undertaking has given warning that there is a risk to health from the contamination of water supplies the firm advice is that all water used for drinking or in food preparation should be boiled. The boiling should be vigorous and last for one minute. This is the most reliable and safe means of treatment generally available in the home and will kill all the likely pathogenic organisms. The costs of boiling, for the amounts needed for these drinking and cooking purposes, will be low.

The general use of additives has been considered and there are chemical means of treatment available which would be available in the home to make drinking water safe. However, it is vital that the right substance is used in the right concentration. This takes knowledge and care, and cannot be generally recommended to the public at large.

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