This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Drinking water up to standard
03/08/2005
Tests carried out by Scottish Water show that some 99.42 per cent of samples taken from customers' taps in 2004 passed the required standard while a significant number of the 0.58 per cent that failed did so because of the appearance of the water rather than failure to meet a health-based standard.
The Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2004 report is the first since tighter standards were introduced through the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations.
While the change in regulation means that direct comparison with previous years is not possible, the figures demonstrate a continuing high standard of drinking water in Scotland.
Tim Hooton, Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR), said:
"Three years after the birth of Scottish Water, much work has been undertaken to merge the systems and practices of the three legacy Authorities. I have been encouraged by many of the initiatives I have seen this year, and look forward to seeing them bear fruit in years to come.
"The current investment programme continues apace and assets are being upgraded across Scotland to meet modern standards and improve compliance with the Regulations. Work continues to finalise Scottish Water's capital investment programme for the period 2006 - 2014, and it is hoped that this will be reflected in greater compliance with drinking water quality standards."
Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2004 contains a summary of the results of 334,046 tests undertaken by Scottish Water on samples from water treatment works, service reservoirs and consumer taps.
These are presented for Scotland as a whole and by local authority area. Comments by local authorities on these results and their dealings with Scottish Water during 2004 also appear, together with details of water quality incidents which occurred.
The report highlights:-
• Some facilities failed to cope adequately with the severe rainfall in summer 2004
• The capital investment programme being developed for 2006 - 2014 will deliver further improvements in drinking water quality compliance
• DWQR looks to Scottish Water to ensure that their efficiency programme is delivered in a way that is consistent with safeguarding public health
The DWQR monitors drinking water quality in Scotland for Scottish Ministers. He operates independently of Ministers. The role was created in 2002 with duties and powers to obtain information, entry and enforcement set out in the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.