§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that lead pipes carrying water into domestic properties are replaced. [101677]
§ Mr. MorleyDrinking water must meet a regulatory standard for lead in the water supplied at consumers' taps. Water companies must treat plumbosolvent water where there is a risk that public water supplies might not comply with this standard.
We are required to take all appropriate measures to reduce as much as possible the concentration of lead in drinking water supplies in order to meet the standards for lead set by the European Drinking Water Directive. We are encouraged by the results of water companies' treatment programmes to reduce plumbosolvency. It is likely that these will reduce significantly the need to replace lead pipes to the benefit of all customers.
The need for water companies to replace lead pipes, mainly to meet the final lead standard that comes into force in 2013, is being considered as part of the next periodic review of water companies' prices. The customer's supply pipe remains the responsibility of the customer.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of drinking water is carried through(a) blue asbestos pipes and (b) lead pipes. [101684]
§ Mr. MorleyAbout 10 per cent. of drinking water is carried through white asbestos cement mains. There may be traces of blue asbestos in some white asbestos cement pipes. Water companies estimated in 1996 that about 35 per cent. of drinking water may be carried through lead connections between company mains and customers' supply pipes.
While use of new asbestos cement pipes is prohibited, this is because of health risks associated with inhalation when cutting and working with the dry material. However, the World Health Organisation considers that a health-based guideline value for asbestos in drinking water is unnecessary.