WIREDGOV

Issued on behalf of the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland.

The Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) for Scotland’s latest annual report shows that Scottish Water’s compliance with the standards for drinking water in 2014 demonstrates sustained improvements.

Scottish Water take and analyse samples of drinking water from across Scotland 365 days a year. Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2014 reports that a total of 318,611 regulatory tests were carried out on Scotland’s drinking water last year. Of those taken from consumers’ taps, 99.89% met the required standards. This maintains the improving trend since Scottish Water was formed in 2002 when 99.28% of samples met the required standards.

Sue Petch the Drinking Water Quality Regulator said:

“Scottish consumers can be confident that their drinking water is thoroughly tested and that it meets some of the highest quality standards in the world.

“It is satisfying to be able to report that in 2014 Scottish Water have maintained their high level of compliance, which reflects their efforts over the past year. This by no means indicates that further improvements cannot be delivered. Work is still needed to make sure that all of Scotland’s water assets are well maintained and sufficiently resilient to deal with challenges presented by changing source water quality.

Notes To Editors

A full copy of Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2014 is available at www.dwqr.org.uk

Drinking water quality regulation began in Scotland in 1991 and drinking water quality was monitored by the Scottish Executive and its predecessor before the role of DWQR was created in 2002, at the same time as Scottish Water. This is the 13th annual report.

The DWQR is independent of Scottish Ministers and ensures that the drinking water quality duties imposed on Scottish Water are complied with. DWQR reviews water quality data from samples taken by Scottish Water and undertakes targeted audits examining all aspects of its operations. The Regulator also supervises enforcement of the Private Water Supply Regulations by local authorities. An annual report is presented to Scottish Ministers detailing the assessment of drinking water quality during the previous year.

Where drinking water does not meet the required standard, the Regulator has powers to investigate and ensure problems are resolved. This can involve taking enforcement action or prosecution.

The DWQR also has a role in helping to define Scottish Water’s investment programme and is committed to ensuring that drinking water supplies in Scotland are of the highest possible standard.