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What's New?
May 2008
The DWQR recent commissioned a report entitled “An investigation into the influence of the voluntary initiative on pesticide concentration in the river Ugie catchment and at Forehill Water Treatment Works.
> To read the full report click here
The DWQR have considered various incident reports submitted to them by Scottish Water in 2007 and 2008 following drinking water quality failures. The DWQR’s assessments of these incidents appear on the investigations page of this website.
> To go to the investigations page click here
Water Regulator for Scotland
The role of Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland was established in the Water Industry Act 2002 to provide an independent check that Scottish Water is complying with the drinking water quality regulations. To allow him to carry out his functions, the 2002 Actprovides him with extensive powers to: acquire information, conduct investigations and take enforcement action should this prove necessary.The primary purpose of the regulations is to protect public health and although the regulatory standards are set at precautionary levels, any breach of the standards is taken very seriously.
As well as checking compliance with the strict regulatory requirements I routinely audit Scottish Water's laboratories and water treatment works. The purpose of these audits is to ensure that Scottish Water is complying with best practice in terms of policies and procedures.Water can become contaminated at any stage of the collection, treatment and distribution process. I therefore look at water supplies from source to tap. Potential sources of drinking water quality failures are: the misuse of agricultural chemicals, treatment plant failures, ingress into the distribution system and ageing water mains.
Customers are very aware of the aesthetic quality of the water they get from their taps and I believe that this will be the thrust of future improvements. Currently, many of the standards that must be met relate to parameters that cannot be detected by consumers, but which nonetheless are important for health in terms of long term exposure. It is very important however, that as well as being safe to drink, tap water must be pleasant to drink and well regarded as a product for consumption.
This website contains many documents that explain the range of activities of the regulator in greater detail. If you wish further information or would like to comment on drinking water quality in Scotland please email me at regulator@dwqr.org.uk
COLIN McLAREN
Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland