drinking water inspectorate logo - click here to go home

Press Release

17 March 2008

INCIDENT ASSESSMENT LETTER ON MYTHE WATER TREATMENT WORKS

The Drinking Water Inspectorate has today issued its Incident Assessment Letter relating to the water supply aspects of the incident affecting Mythe Water Treatment Works during July and August 2007.

In announcing the findings of the investigation, the Chief Inspector of Drinking Water, Professor Jeni Colbourne MBE said,

“My inspectors were generally satisfied with the actions taken by Severn Trent Water to reinstate the Mythe Water Treatment Works but the piped supply could have been restored more quickly and the delay was due to a decision to issue a health and safety notice prepared by the Gloucestershire PCT prior to the operation of valves to restore the water supply.

In moving forward, the Inspectorate has been in dialogue at national level with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and it has been agreed that the HPA and DWI will prepare and issue joint guidance on the issuing of consumer warning notices. This guidance will support water companies and local health professionals in their decision making in any future similar incident.





Notes to editors:

  1. The Drinking Water Inspectorate was set up in January 1990. Its main task is to check that water companies in England and Wales supply wholesome drinking water and in doing so comply with the requirements of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 (England) and Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001(Wales).

  2. Section 70 of the Water Industry Act 1991 makes it criminal offence for a water company to supply water which is unfit for human consumption. DWI investigates all drinking water quality incidents and since the Water Act 2003 can take forward prosecutions in the name of the Chief Inspector of Drinking Water. Prosecutions are taken forward where there is reliable evidence that water unfit for human consumption was supplied, where the company does not have a defence that it took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence, and when such a prosecution is regarded as being in the public interest. Where there are no grounds for prosecution, the Inspectorate issues recommendations to Water Companies which require a formal response.

  3. A copy of the Incident assessment letter can obtained from the Drinking Water Inspectorate but contacting 0207 270 3370 or by e-mailing DWI.Enquiries@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Issued by GNN on behalf of the

Drinking Water Inspectorate
55 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2EY

DWI enquiries
0207 270 3370