§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Environment on how many occasions in each of the last five years the nitrate ion concentration in water abstracted from the river Ouse for use in the Bedford-Kempston area has exceeded (a) 50 mg per litre and (b) 100 mg per litre; and what specific steps are taken to reduce the level of nitrate ion concentrations in such water supplies.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe information requested is tabulated as follows:
Nitrate level exceeding 50 mg per litre in the water abstracted from river Ouse Year ending 31 March Number of occasions Number of days 1979 1 85 1980 2 7 1981 0 0 1982 3 9 1983 3 52 The nitrate level in the water abstracted from the river Ouse or the water put into supply did not exceed 100 mg per litre on any occasions. Before it is put into supply, 200W nitrate levels from this source can be reduced by blending with small quantities of ground water and, after treatment at Clapham works, with treated water from Grafham works. Consequently water with nitrate levels exceeding 50 mg per litre was put into supply on 52 days in 1979, none in 1980, 1981 or 1982 and 35 days in 1983. The local health officer was notified on the occasions when the nitrate level in supply exceeded 50 mg per litre.