Effective regulation delivers good results for tap water

Date published: 09 July 2010

Consumers in the Northern part of England are realising the benefits as work to renovate water mains in the region delivers good quality tap water.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate's annual report covering the North of England is being launched today at a seminar hosted by the Consumer Council for Water's Northern regional committee. The report states the number of consumers contacting water companies in the North to report discoloured water has fallen year-on-year, with the figure standing at close to 24,000 a 34% decrease on over 32,000 reported in 2006.

Professor Colbourne, Chief Inspector of Drinking Water said "I am pleased to report that the number of consumers contacting companies about dirty water is continuing to fall, and whilst the region has higher contact rates than elsewhere, the improvement is striking. "

In 2009, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) was recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a Collaborating Centre for issues relating to the safety of drinking water. This designation formalises the relationship that DWI has established with the World Health Organisation on drinking water standards, science and research.