§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Wales which areas in Wales have lead concentrations in the water supply which are in excess of the World Health Organisation recommended limit.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe lead content of all water put into public supply in Wales is well below the limit of 0.1 milligrammes per litre prescribed by the World Health Organisation.
While water is in the distribution system it may be in contact with lead pipes or lead storage tanks and this may increase the lead content in the water at the tap. This is particularly true for soft acid water supplies. The Welsh water authority has identified some 42 supply zones, out of a total of 135, in which the lead content could increase due to plumbo-solvency and the authority is now engaged in assessing the various treatment options for each zone as an alternative to the replacement of lead pipes and tanks.