The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000 No 3184) have been introduced to transpose and implement the EC Directive on the Quality of Water Intended for Human Consumption (98/83/EC). The 1998 Directive lists various constituents or "parameters" which may be found in drinking water. It sets the threshold standards ("parametric values") which represent the concentration below which a constituent does not pose any significant risk to the health of a consumer. The bulk of the new standards must come into force by 25 December 2003, although the final standards for bromate and trihalomethanes must be met by 25 December 2008 and for lead by 2013.
Most chemical constituents associated with drinking water cause adverse health effects after prolonged periods of exposure, except in cases of massive accidental contamination of a supply. In contrast, contamination of water supplies for a short period with pathogenic micro-organisms can expose large sections of the population to immediate health risks. The new standards cover both microbiological and chemical parameters and are generally in line with the 1993 World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. The Directive also requires Member States to ensure that regular monitoring is carried out in order to meet these standards.
The most important change is the reduction in the maximum concentration of lead from the current 50µg/L to 25µg/L by 25 December 2003 and a final standard of 10 µg/L to be met by 25 December 2013. This is likely to be costly, requiring water companies to carry out enhanced water treatment to minimise the leaching of lead from pipes and also the replacement of many pipes in the water distribution network. The extra cost of the new lead standard is a result of scientific evidence showing that exposure to water with a high lead content may damage unborn children and infants.
The new Regulation will directly affect water companies as well as having an impact on consumers and businesses in the form of higher charges. DETR have published a Regulatory Impact Assessment which assesses the costs of meeting the new requirements. Costs to the food and drinks industry and bottled water producers will be assessed by the Food Standards Agency when amending their Regulations. Costs associated with private water supplies will be also be assessed separately when private supplies regulations are drafted.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate is currently preparing draft guidance to assist water companies in meeting the requirements if the Regulations. Further information can be found at http://www.detr.gov.uk.
For further information, please contact Mark Rutter at mark.rutter@cms-cmck.com or on +44 (0)20 7367 3182.
