§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Wales if there are any areas within the Welsh water authority's remit where levels of lead in drinking water exceed limits stipulated in European Community directive (80/778/EEC) relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonYes, there are areas within the Welsh water authority's remit where the maximum acceptable concentration for lead can from time to time exceed the limit stipulated in the European Community directive (80/778/EEC).
The Welsh water authority's lead in water indentification survey has given rise to a programme of modifications and additions to existing treatment processes to reduce plumbo-solvency. This programme will enable the Welsh water authority to meet the Government's target date of December 1989 for reducing lead concentrations in drinking water to acceptable levels. This is in line with the Government's application to the European Commission for an article 20 delay in respect of the lead parameter.