§ Mr. John EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the current levels of the weed killer Mecoprop in Anglian Water's boreholes; and what evidence the National Rivers Authority has of Mecoprop in Cheshire's groundwater supply.
§ Mr. MacleanGroundwater used for public supplies is regularly monitored by Anglian Water for Mecoprop. Concentrations greater than 0.1µg/1 have been detected at only two borehole sites. At one of these sites an alternative borehole source is available which contains less than 0.1µg/1; nevertheless, granular activated carbon treatment has been installed to reduce contamination. At the other site Anglian Water installed granular activated carbon treatment which has ensured that the water entering supply now meets the standard of 0.1 µg/1 set in the water quality regulations.
Similarly, North West Water monitors boreholes in Cheshire, where there is no evidence of contamination.