HC Deb 08 March 1989 vol 148 cc521-2W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the number and location of breaches in the precautionary standard for pesticides in drinking water in 1988, in supplies provided by Yorkshire water authority; and if he will also list by location how much these breaches exceeded the standard laid down.

Mr. Moynihan

During the period December 1987 to November 1988 there were breaches of the standard of 0.1 microgramme per litre for pesticides, specified in the European Community drinking water directive, in water supplies leaving the following four treatment works of the Yorkshire water authority:

  • Ripon Camp
  • Blackhouse Spring
  • Boltby
  • Tophill Low

Breaches of the standard at Blackhouse Spring, Boltby and Tophill Low were transient, and I am informed that recent samples from these works complied with the directive. The levels at which the standard was exceeded were below those which would be considered a risk to health.