Water quality is tip top

02/07/2007

The quality of drinking water in the Essex & Suffolk supply area is officially amongst the best in the country.

A report by the Chief Inspector of the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) confirmed Essex & Suffolk Water has maintained the overall high standards achieved in previous years for drinking water quality.

Tests undertaken in 2006 reveal that water quality is above the industry average.

Through the use of advanced water treatment processes and an extensive monitoring programme, safeguards are in place to ensure the water supply is of the highest quality and complies with the standards in the drinking water regulations.

In 2006, Essex & Suffolk Water carried out 117,360 tests on drinking water samples collected at water treatment works, service reservoirs and through the water mains network.

These samples are audited by the DWI according to a set of parameters which include standards to make sure water is safe to drink and others to ensure the water looks and tastes pleasant.

Quality-driven investments have ensured that Essex & Suffolk Water has consistently supplied drinking water of a high quality to customers’ taps.

The company, which supplies water to 1.8 million customers, has invested in a programme to safeguard the quality of treated water and a multi-million pound project to replace and rehabilitate pipes ended in February this year after fifteen years of work.

Pipes in the 8703 km network, which is divided into 51 water supply zones, have either been replaced in renewed.

Bob Dorrington, water quality manager said: “We are very pleased with our results. Drinking water quality is paramount to our customers and we do everything we can to maintain our high standards.

“Water is an essential nutrient to all life and it is important that our customers have the confidence in their water supply and know that what comes out of the tap is wholesome and pleasant to drink.”

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For further information please contact Claire Bishop on 01245 212 010.