Tap water results welcomed

Environment Minister Ian Pearson today welcomed the Drinking Water Inspectorate's annual report, which showed a further rise in the quality of England's drinking water.

99.96% of tests of drinking water in 2005 met the required standards, according to the DWI's report.

Mr Pearson said:

“The results show that England has some of the world's best quality tap water. This is a direct result of the massive investment made in the way that our water is treated and supplied.

“The Inspectorate plays a vital role in ensuring that the tap water in our homes is of the highest quality. I am pleased that where and when problems do occur, the Inspectorate is rigorous in its response.

“Customers' expectations of the quality of their drinking water - and of the responsiveness of their water company - is rightly high. I welcome the fact that the DWI will help the independent consumer representative, the Consumer Council for Water, work with water companies to make sure that customers are well informed and their voices heard.”

Notes to editors

1. The Drinking Water Inspectorate was formed in 1990 and acts as the independent regulator of the quality and safety of drinking water supplied by the water companies in England and Wales.

2. Drinking Water 2005 will be available in downloadable format on the Inspectorate's website www.dwi.gov.uk from 10.00 am on 28 June.

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