News Release 533:
2 August 2000Anglian Water leads the way with new technology to protect public health - DWI Chief Inspector
Cutting edge technology introduced by Anglian Water leads the way in tackling risks to public health and offering consumers even greater protection said Michael Rouse, Chief Inspector of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, today.
Speaking at the official opening, Mr. Rouse said:
"I'm delighted to be opening one of the most advanced water laboratory facilities in the world. In addition to providing essential microbiological and chemical analysis, the laboratory incorporates a state of the art facility for Cryptosporidium. I am proud to say that we are world leaders in this aspect of public health protection, being the only country to have introduced regulatory measures to monitor the bug. "To meet the requirements of these regulations, all water companies have had to install continuous sampling and monitoring systems at sites where there is a significant risk of the micro-organism being in the water. This laboratory is equipped with the most advanced techniques and equipment to offer the most effective Cryptosporidium monitoring in the world. "This new central laboratory facility covers all aspects of water analysis bringing together analytical expertise and the most modern equipment. The Drinking Water Inspectorate welcomes this development and the benefits it should bring to consumers, in ensuring that their drinking water meets stringent standards."
Notes to editors
1. Michael Rouse, CBE, has been the Chief Inspector, Drinking Water Inspectorate, since 1993. Previously (1974-93) worked for the Water Research Centre in the UK, having being the Managing Director for 9 years. An early career with Massey Ferguson and British Gas as a Design and Project Engineer. He is a European Engineer; a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers; a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management; a Fellow and a Past President of the Institution of Water Officers, and an Honorary Member of the American Water Works Association.
2. The Drinking Water Inspectorate was set up on 2 January 1990. Its main task is to check that water companies in England and Wales supply wholesome water and comply with the Water Quality Regulations.
3. Cryptosporidium, a parasite found in humans and animals can be transmitted by water supplies as well as by other routes and can cause symptoms such as acute diarrhoea. Fortunately, waterborne outbreaks are very rare, yet any indication must be explored immediately in order to identify any risk to public health.
4. New Cryptosporidium Regulations which amend the existing Water Quality Regulations are called The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 and are available from The Stationery Office Limited ( ISBN 0-11-082706-6).
5. Further information on Cryptosporidium may be obtained from Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6 DE, telephone 020 7944 5956, and the DWI Web Site.
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Drinking Water Inspectorate,
Floor 2/A1, Ashdown House,
123 Victoria Street,
London, SW1E 6DE
Telephone : 020 7944 5956
Facsimile : 020 7944 5969
E-mail: dwi_enquiries@detr.gov.uk
Updated 11 July 2001
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