Drinking Water 2003
23 United Utilities Water PLC
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Overall water quality supplied by United Utilities Water Plc in 2003: |
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Water quality at treatment works, in service reservoirs and in water supply zones
To be wholesome, water must comply with the water quality standards for the parameters set out in the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989. In 2003, the Company carried out a total of 340,777 tests on samples of water leaving its 140 water treatment works, from its 381 service reservoirs and from consumers’ taps in its 288 water supply zones. Of these, 99.82% (340,152) complied with the standards set down in the Regulations. However, 0.18% (625) tests did not meet the standards. A list of the parameters, the relevant standards and their significance can be found at the beginning of this section.
Water quality leaving treatment works
A comparison of the Company’s performance in 2003 with data for 2002 and 2001, is given below. Differences over the last three years in the number of treatment works, and in the number of tests carried out on samples from treatment works, in which coliforms or faecal coliforms were detected, were not considered significant.
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During 2003, 50 failures of the total coliform standard at 36 works were considered trivial, unlikely to recur or were already covered by an undertaking. However, there were 31 failures of the coliform standard at the following 16 works: Sutton Hall No1, Sutton Hall No2, Prescot No1, Rivington (To Prospect), Sweetloves, Wayoh, Watchgate, Godley, Townsend Fold, Braesteads, Dale, Martholme Accrington, Simmonds Hill, Ridgegate, Buckton Castle and Lightshaw, which were not regarded as trivial, and where the Company has not taken sufficient remedial action to deem the failures unlikely to recur. Enforcement action has been initiated at all 16 treatment works.
Fifteen failures of the faecal coliform standard occurred at 13 works. Of these 15, eight were regarded as unlikely to recur. However, there were seven failures of the faecal coliform standard at the following six works: Ridgegate, Watchgate, Townsend Fold, Braesteads, Dale and Martholme Accrington, which were not regarded as trivial, and where the Company had not taken sufficient remedial action to deem the failures unlikely to recur. Enforcement action has been initiated at all six treatment works.
The Inspectorate continues to be concerned regarding the significant number of contraventions of microbiological standards at the Company’s treatment works, as assurances had been provided by the Company in previous years, of corrective action taken. The Company is taking action to secure compliance at these works.
In 2003, 1,509 regulatory samples for Cryptosporidium were taken at five sites. Very low numbers of oocysts were detected in 20 samples from three sites. All results were well below the treatment standard and there were no reported outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis.
Water quality in service reservoirs
A comparison of the Company’s performance in 2003 with data for 2002 and 2001, is given below. Differences over the last three years in the number of service reservoirs, and in the number of tests carried out on samples from service reservoirs, in which coliforms or faecal coliforms were detected, were not considered significant.
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Total coliforms were occasionally detected at a number of service reservoirs, and during 2003, one service reservoir failed the total coliform standard. This failure was considered unlikely to recur, as the Company had taken remedial action.
Faecal coliforms were detected at nine service reservoirs. Enforcement action will be considered for any further failures at the following nine service reservoirs: Hazel Grove, Ballbeard, Round Hill (Peak), Cowpe, Marklands No2, Tosside No3, Lowgill, Oakshaw and Castle Rock.
Water quality in water supply zones
The table below shows the data for the key parameters and any other parameters where there was a failure of the standard. All other parameters were fully compliant. A comparison is also given for parameters failing the standards in 2002 and 2001.
| Parameter | Total number of tests |
Tests not meeting standard |
Number of failures |
Number of zones not complying with the standards (number of zones in 2003 = 288)* |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
No
|
%
|
2003
|
2002
|
2001
|
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| Coliforms |
19,108
|
137
|
0.72
|
64
|
2
|
7
|
3
|
| Faecal coliforms |
19,124
|
10
|
0.05
|
0
|
10
|
11
|
10
|
| Colour |
4,342
|
0
|
0.00
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
| Turbidity |
7,377
|
13
|
0.18
|
2
|
13
|
6
|
13
|
| Odour |
3,029
|
1
|
0.03
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
| Taste |
3,026
|
0
|
0.00
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
| Hydrogen ion |
6,968
|
7
|
0.10
|
0
|
7
|
2
|
4
|
| Nitrate |
5,229
|
18
|
0.34
|
18
|
2
|
3
|
3
|
| Nitrite |
5,229
|
9
|
0.17
|
0
|
9
|
1
|
3
|
| Aluminium |
9,783
|
16
|
0.16
|
0
|
16
|
5
|
12
|
| Iron |
9,784
|
91
|
0.93
|
83
|
69
|
81
|
88
|
| Manganese |
9,775
|
50
|
0.51
|
27
|
37
|
38
|
43
|
| Lead |
4,686
|
26
|
0.55
|
10
|
25
|
43
|
60
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| PAH |
2,213
|
6
|
0.27
|
0
|
6
|
6
|
10
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| Trihalomethanes |
3,930
|
4
|
0.10
|
4
|
0
|
7
|
10
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| Total pesticides |
4,439
|
0
|
0.00
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
0
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| Atrazine |
2,633
|
1
|
0.04
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
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| MCPA |
1,895
|
1
|
0.05
|
0
|
1
|
2
|
2
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| MCPP (Mecoprop) |
1,895
|
0
|
0.00
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
5
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| Simazine |
2,633
|
0
|
0.00
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
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| 2,4,5T |
1,895
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0
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0.00
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
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| Other pesticides |
26,254
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0
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0.00
|
0
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0
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0
|
0
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| Ammonium |
5,159
|
2
|
0.04
|
0
|
2
|
1
|
5
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| Benzo 3,4 Pyrene |
2,172
|
1
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0.05
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
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| Copper |
4,585
|
0
|
0.00
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
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| Mercury |
365
|
1
|
0.27
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
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| Oxidizability |
695
|
1
|
0.14
|
0
|
1
|
4
|
1
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| Phosphorus |
9,761
|
76
|
0.78
|
0
|
44
|
4
|
20
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| Sodium |
9,764
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1
|
0.01
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
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| Surfactants |
490
|
1
|
0.20
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
3
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| Zinc |
4,579
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0
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0.00
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
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| All others |
60,772
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0
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0.00
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
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| TOTAL |
253,589
|
473
|
0.19
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| *292 zones in 2002 and 304 zones in 2001 | |||||||
The fifth column indicates the number of failures in zones already covered by legally binding undertakings given by the Company. These undertakings require remedial work to be carried out to ensure compliance with the individual standard.
There is a significant increase in the number of tests and the number of zones not meeting the standard for phosphorus during 2003. This may be due to intermittent poor dosing control issues at some sites where phosphate dosing was being applied for plumbosolvency control. Although there is no standard for phosphorus under the new Regulations, the Company is taking steps to improve the phosphate dosing control at those sites.
There is a significant decrease in the number of tests and the number of zones not meeting the standard for lead during 2003. This is due to the ongoing plumbosolvency treatment optimisation programme.
There is a significant decrease in the number of tests and the number of zones not meeting the standard for trihalomethanes during 2003. This is due to the completion of a number of improvement programmes to install treatment to remove trihalomethane precursors.
The new Regulations
In 2003, the Company carried out monitoring for the six new parametric values set down in the new Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000. These Regulations came into force on 25 December 2003. The results are shown in the table below.
| Parameter |
Total number
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New standard
|
Tests not meeting
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|---|---|---|---|
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of tests
|
the new standard
|
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| Benzene |
571
|
1.0 µg/l |
0
|
| Bromate |
1,160
|
10.0 µg/l |
2
|
| 1,2 dichloroethane |
595
|
3.0 µg/l |
0
|
| Nitrite (exwater treatment works) |
602
|
0.1 mg/l
|
0
|
| Clostridium perfringens |
541
|
0/100 ml
|
5
|
| Enterococci |
1,255
|
0/100 ml
|
2
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Compliance data for 2003 have also been analysed against the revised standards and the results are shown in the following table.
| Parameter | Total number of tests |
Current standard |
Number of tests not meeting current standard |
Revised standard |
Number of tests not meeting revised standard |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antimony |
346
|
10.0 µg/l |
0
|
5.0 µg/l |
0
|
|
| Arsenic |
919
|
50.0 µg/l |
0
|
10.0 µg/l |
38
|
|
| Boron |
315
|
2.0 mg/l
|
0
|
1.0 mg/l
|
0
|
|
| Copper |
4,585
|
3.0 mg/l
|
0
|
2.0 mg/l
|
1
|
|
| Lead |
4,686
|
50.0 µg/l |
26
|
25.0 µg/l |
73
|
|
|
10.0 µg/l* |
238
|
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| Nickel |
319
|
50.0 µg/l |
0
|
20.0 µg/l |
0
|
|
Nitrite (at consumers taps) |
5,229 |
0.1 mg/l |
9 |
0.5 mg/l |
0 |
|
PAH
|
2,213
|
0.2 µg/l |
6
|
0.1 µg/l |
1
|
|
Tetrachloroethene Trichloroethene |
3,929 3,929 |
10.0 µg/l 30.0 µg/l |
0 0 |
} 10.0 µg/l |
1
|
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* Final standard not applicable until 2013
During 2003, the Company had a number of programmes of work in place to meet the new and revised standards.
Details of the new and revised standards can be found in chapter J ‘New Regulations and Associated Programmes of Work’.
Audit and inspection
The Company was inspected or audited by the Inspectorate or its appointed consultants on a number of occasions during 2003. Where relevant, report summaries are available in the ‘Business and Technical’ section of the Inspectorate’s website under ‘Audit and Inspection’. Details of the subject areas audited or inspected are given in the following paragraphs:
Follow up of recommendations made during the 2002 inspections or in connection with water quality incidents
Steps have been taken to implement the majority of the recommendations arising from the 2002 audit and inspection process and from assessments of water quality incidents. However, further action is to be completed in respect of one recommendation regarding replacement of compliance sampling taps.
Audit of regulatory Cryptosporidium monitoring sites
The monitoring equipment at all regulatory sites visited during the year was found to be satisfactory.
Inspection of laboratory analysing for Cryptosporidium
An unannounced audit on the Company’s Cryptosporidium laboratory resulted in one recommendation being made which was acted upon during the audit.
The announced audit on the Company’s Cryptosporidium laboratory identified two regulatory breaches as well as three minor deficiencies associated with the Standard Operating Protocol. The Company has taken the required remedial action to rectify the deficiencies identified.
Audit of progress with water treatment works/service reservoirs improvement programmes
Progress with all schemes associated with improvement programmes at water treatment works is generally satisfactory. However, for some schemes, delays with key stages have occurred.
Eight schemes were selected for detailed audit and two site visits were carried out. The schemes selected were for nitrate at Hollins Hill SR; for arsenic and Cryptosporidium at Fewsteads/Springfields; for arsenic at Fellside, Hayknott, Lowgill and Winwick; for Cryptosporidium and manganese at Caton; and for Cryptosporidium at Prescot.
Progress with these schemes was satisfactory; however, the Company is required to take action to address a number of deficiencies associated with programmes of work for the Hollins Hill SR and Winwick schemes.
Review of distribution system undertaking
Progress with the programme of mains renovation set out in the Company’s continuing distribution system undertaking was found to be satisfactory. However, the Company is being required to take action on two minor deficiencies associated with the assessment of schemes and the reporting of the outcome of renovation activity.
Audit of response to selected consumer complaints
A desktop audit of the Company’s response to 12 consumer complaints about drinking water quality was found to be satisfactory.
Audit trails of selected microbiological test results
Vertical audits were carried out on two test results selected at random for the period January 2003 to February 2003. The Company is being required to take action on deficiencies identified with sample storage and records for analytical times.
Audit trails of selected nonmicrobiological test results
Vertical audits were carried out on 13 test results selected at random for the period January 2002 to January 2003. The Company is being required to take action on deficiencies identified with sample scheduling in relation to two samples; the method of analysis in respect of five parameters; the records of analysis in respect of one sample; the basic calibration in respect of one parameter; the taking of appropriate corrective action for outofcontrol conditions for one sample; and follow up action following a breach of the prescribed concentration of value in respect of one sample.
Audit of analytical requirements for nitrate and nitrite
Vertical audits were carried out for nitrate and nitrite samples taken in a single water supply zone over a sixmonth period to assess any changes in analytical requirements over time. The Company is being required to take action on deficiencies identified with sample scheduling; the number of significant figures available for the conversion of nitrite results from mg/l N to mg/l NO2 for entry on to the public record; instrument records; calibration and analytical conditions; and taking appropriate corrective action when outofcontrol conditions have occurred.
Inspection of two water treatment works and one service reservoir
Inspections were carried out at Oswestry and Wybersley water treatment works and Pex Hill service reservoir sites. The operation and management at all sites were satisfactory.
Audit of plumbosolvency treatment and control programmes
Progress with the programme of work for plumbosolvency treatment and control measures for lead was found to be satisfactory. However, the Company is being required to take action to address inconsistencies in the Annexes to the Programme of Work, and is improving dosing for the Hodder scheme.
Audit of an analytical laboratory
An audit of one of the Company’s analytical laboratories was carried out. The audit identified a number of deficiencies regarding traceability, calibration and analytical quality control within the laboratory. The laboratory was required to take action on these deficiencies. A followup inspection will be carried out during 2004.
Incidents
The Inspectorate regarded 15 events notified during 2003 as incidents. Further details of these incidents are given in the table below.
Eleven of the incidents were fully investigated and assessed by the Inspectorate during 2003. Each was of relatively short duration and, where applicable, the Company took appropriate action to protect public health. The Company is being required to take action on a number of deficiencies identified in respect of carrying out risk assessments, internal communications, site supervision and training, notifying consumers and sampling. The four remaining incidents were still under consideration at the end of 2003.
During 2003, investigations were also completed for nine incidents that occurred in 2002. One incident from 2002 also remains under consideration.
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Enforcement action
The table below indicates areas where, in 2003, the Inspectorate considered taking enforcement action for regulatory breaches, and where an undertaking was submitted or where the Company took appropriate action.
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Improvement programmes
Water treatment works/service reservoirs
Seventeen undertakings associated with treatment works were due for completion during 2003. These were to install treatment: at Watchgate and Oswestry treatment works to remove trihalomethane precursors; at Hollins Hill service reservoir and Bearstones treatment works to remove nitrate; at Barnacre TA, Caton, Dolphinholme, Halton, Littledale, Welby Cragg, Whittington, and Worthington TA treatment works to remove Cryptosporidium; and carry out measures at Sutton Hall, White Bull and Barnacre treatment works, Oldham Edge SR and Blackpool supply zone for total coliforms. All of these undertakings were completed by or within one month of the due dates.
Twentyseven Regulation 41 programmes of work to meet the new and revised standards set down in the new Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 were due for completion in 2003. These were to install treatment at 20 works to remove arsenic, and at seven works to remove trihalomethane precursors. All but one of the programmes were completed on schedule. At Hodder treatment works, the programme for trihalomethanes was delayed by six weeks due to reasons beyond the control of the Company and with the agreement of the Inspectorate.
Nineteen statements of intent to reduce the risk of Cryptosporidium breaching the treatment standards were due for completion during 2003. All but one of the programmes were completed on schedule. At Hodder treatment works, completion of the work was delayed by six weeks due to reasons beyond the control of the Company and with the agreement of the Inspectorate.
Five statements of intent for meeting the manganese standard and one statement of intent for meeting the nitrate standard were due for completion during 2003. The programmes were completed on schedule.
Distribution
Progress for the continuing distribution system undertaking was satisfactory. During 2003, 837 km of mains were renovated. The Company is required to renovate a further 4,647 km of mains by 31 March 2010.
Lead
The Company’s Regulation 41 programme of work to meet the revised standard for lead set down in the new Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 has been progressing satisfactorily. Plumbosolvency treatment measures were installed at all sites specified in the programme by 25 December 2003.
In March 2003 the Company successfully completed lead communication pipe replacement pilot schemes in water supply zones 295 (Altrincham) and 103 (Burnley Road). This work was carried out in preparation for further pilot schemes as part of the programme of work to meet revised lead standards. Further pilot schemes commenced in 2003 in water supply zones 068 (Warbreck Tower), 300 (Northern Moor), 301 (Ringway) and 303 (Sharston).
