Tap is tip top

06/07/2004

Water quality in the North East is in sparkling form according to a report published today.

Figures in the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s (DWI) Annual Report for 2003 reflect the on-going investment by Northumbrian Water to maintain and further improve the high quality of drinking water provided to 2.6 million people.

Northumbrian Water supplies the region, from Berwick to North Yorkshire and across to the Pennines, with 800 million litres of water every day.  Water quality is continually monitored and out of the 198,193 tests taken in 2003 only 157 failed to meet the stringent standards.

Sue Mitchell, Northumbrian Water’s Water Quality Manager, said:  “The pleasing figures reported in the DWI’s Annual Report are a result of over £20 million invested by Northumbrian Water to renew 384 km of water main in 2003.

“We are responsible for a network of over 16,500 km of water main.  Our capital investment programme will ensure our customers continue to receive a high quality product when they turn on their tap, reduce the risk of leakage and improve water pressure.

“On average, a person in the region uses 148 litres of water every day at a cost of 28 pence – that is good value for money.”
 
In 2004 Northumbrian Water is planning to spend a further £24 million to renew over 400 km of water main.

For further information and to arrange an interview with Sue Mitchell, Northumbrian Water’s Water Quality Manager, contact Cara Hall on 0191 301 6720.