§ Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the sixth annual report of the drinking water inspectorate will be published. [35610]
§ Mr. GummerThe drinking water inspectorate published its sixth annual report today. Once again, it shows that drinking water in England and Wales is of a very high quality. In 1995, 99.5 per cent. of the 3.2 million tests carried out by water companies on drinking water met the relevant standard, compared with 99.3 per cent. in 1994.
447WThe 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 also published today two leaflets for consumers. "How Good is Your Drinking Water?" summarises the main points of the report. "About Your Water Company" gives brief details of the quality of drinking water supplied by individual water companies.
Copies of the report and leaflets have been placed in the Library of the House.