HC Deb 21 July 1994 vol 247 cc468-9W
Mr. Coe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the fourth annual report of the drinking water inspectorate will be published.

Mr. Atkins

The drinking water inspectorate published its fourth annual report today. Once again, it shows that drinking water in England and Wales is of a very high quality. In 1993, 98.9 per cent. of the 3.5 million tests carried out by water companies on drinking water met the relevant standard, compared with 98.7 per cent. in 1992.

The report provides a detailed picture of water quality in England and Wales which has been tested against the stringent criteria of the water quality regulations which incorporate the limits in the EC drinking water directive.

The inspectorate is also publishing a leaflet called "How Good is our Drinking Water?", which summarises the main points of the report.

Copies of the report and leaflet have been placed in the Library of the House.