Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Annual Report by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator Annual Report by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator
© Crown copyright 2006
This document is also available on the DWQR website: www.dwqr.org.uk
Astron B46660 08/06
Further copies are available from Blackwells Bookshop 53 South Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1YS
Telephone orders and enquiries 0131 622 8283 or 0131 622 8258
Fax orders 0131 557 8149
Email orders [email protected]
ISBN 0-7559-5077-1
9 780755 950775
www.dwqr.org.uk Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Annual Report by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
© Crown copyright 2006
Published on behalf of the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland, August, 2006
ISBN: 0-7559-5077-1
Produced for the Drinking Water Quality Regulator by Astron B46660 08/06
Further copies are available from Blackwell's Bookshop 53 South Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1YS
The text pages of this document are printed on recycled paper and are 100% recyclable Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Contents
1. Foreword 1
2. Executive Summary 3
3. Introduction 7
4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland 15 4A. Public Water Supplies in Scotland 17 4B. Private Water Supplies in Scotland 37
5. Drinking Water Quality by Region 43 5.1 Regional Key Facts 45 5.2 Drinking Water Quality in the South West 47 5.3 Drinking Water Quality in the North West 51 5.4 Drinking Water Quality in the North East 55 5.5 Drinking Water Quality in the South East 59 5.6 Drinking Water Quality in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland 62
6. Local Authority Pages 69
Annex A: The Regulatory Framework 141
Annex B: Index of Information Letters/Guidance Letters issued during 2005 143
Annex C: Authorised Departures 144
Annex D: Other Key Activities Undertaken on Behalf of the DWQR in 2005 146
Annex E: Statistical Methods Used in the Report 148
iii iv Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Foreword
This is my first drinking water quality report year. In 2005, 99.56% of all tests carried out on since being appointed as Drinking Water water samples taken from consumers’ taps Quality Regulator for Scotland in September complied with the relevant standard. This 2005. Prior to being appointed, I worked compares with 99.42% in 2004. At a national closely with my predecessor, Tim Hooton, for a level, there have been some notable number of years and hope to carry on his good improvements in compliance with the standards work. Tim was instrumental in driving forward set for trihalomethanes, colour and pH. significant improvements in drinking water However, the overall compliance figure masks a quality over the last decade or so, such that the deterioration in the level of microbiological overall quality of the public supply in Scotland compliance. In 2005, 0.97% of microbiological is now very high. I intend to build on these tests on samples taken from consumers’ taps improvements and start to address some of the contained coliforms; this compares with 0.88% local issues that lie behind the overall picture in 2004. The microbiological standards are of improving water quality. important as they may indicate a breach in the integrity of the water supply system or a failure I want to raise awareness about the quality of of the treatment process. Any microbiological drinking water in Scotland and make water failure requires to be investigated. I am quality data more accessible to the public. To concerned therefore that the longstanding trend help achieve this, I intend to update the DWQR of improving microbiological compliance may website (www.dwqr.org.uk) to provide the have come to an end in 2005. I look to Scottish public with access to local drinking water Water to make sure that this is not the case. quality data. I have also made some changes to the format of this report and expanded the In 2005, 42 of the water quality events notified information provided on water quality at a to me by Scottish Water were sufficiently regional and local level, as well as including serious to be classified as incidents that merited more information on private water supplies and further investigation. This represents an consumer complaints. increase of 14 on the previous year. Twenty- five of the 42 incidents involved The drinking water quality data for 2005 shows microbiological sample failures or failures of that overall, compliance with the drinking the disinfection process during treatment. water quality standards improved during the
1 1. Foreword
Disinfection failures at treatment works should Finally, I would like to express my support for be minimised through maintenance of the strengthened Private Water Supply equipment and robust operating procedures. Regulations which came into force in July Any that do occur, if responded to quickly, 2006. These provide a practical means for should not result in microbiological failures at ensuring the safety of private water supplies customers’ taps. Although Scottish Water has and should minimise the risk to the users of done much to improve its alarm and telemetry such supplies. systems, which allow a quick response to be made to such failures, I believe that more needs I hope that you will find this report to be done. In particular, Scottish Water needs comprehensive and informative, whether you to make sure that it learns from incidents when read it in its entirety or study particular they occur and that the lessons learned are sections of interest. disseminated across the business. I am watching the situation closely to ensure that Scottish Water gives sufficient priority to this most fundamental part of the water treatment process and that it is learning from any incidents. Colin McLaren In addition to the incidents mentioned, there Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland were two high-profile instances in 2005 when consumers were dissatisfied with the taste and August 2006 odour of the public water supply. One of these instances occurred in relation to Calder on the North Coast and the other was in relation to the public supply in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire. I have no doubt that in both instances the water remained safe to drink, but these incidents serve to highlight that Scottish Water must provide water that is not only safe but also acceptable to consumers. In this regard, I now routinely receive data from Scottish Water on the customer complaints relating to drinking water quality. In this report I have used the data from complaints and regulatory sampling to help identify some local water quality issues. I intend to continue to use this type of data to help identify more of these issues.
2 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
2. Executive Summary
3 2. Executive Summary
4 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
2. Executive Summary
The drinking water quality results reported by Figure 2.1 Number of Microbiological Tests on Scottish Water for 2005 show that 345,761 tests Tap Samples Containing Coliforms were carried out on samples taken from water and Faecal Coliforms treatment works, service reservoirs and 1800 consumer taps. Of the 153,291 tests on samples Coliforms 1600 Faecal Coliforms taken from consumer taps, 99.56% met the 1400 required standard. This is an increase of 0.14% 1200 on compliance for 2004. A total of 669 tests 1000 800 gave results which did not meet the standard 600 set out in the Water Supply (Water Quality) 400 and Faecal Coliforms (Scotland) Regulations 2001. The largest 200 No. of Failures for Coliforms 0 number of fails were for the total coliform and 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 trihalomethane parameters. Year
Compliance for the key microbiological Extensive sampling of raw and final waters for parameters was slightly worse than in 2004. Cryptosporidium was undertaken in 2005 in The 138 failures of the coliform standard at accordance with the Cryptosporidium (Scottish customers’ taps in 2005, (0.97% of samples), Water) Directions 2003. A total of 13,186 raw compares unfavourably with 123 failures in and final samples were taken from 296 water 2004 and 135 in 2003. The number of faecal treatment works, of the final water samples, coliform (E. coli) failures also increased slightly 728 contained Cryptosporidium oocysts. from 18 in 2004 to 21 in 2005. Although small this trend is disappointing. Undoubtedly, the DWQR receives details from Scottish Water of number of water quality incidents reported in events which could affect drinking water quality. 2005 that involved failure of the disinfection In 2005, 42 such events were considered process will have been a contributing factor. It sufficiently serious to be classified as incidents. is expected that the general improving trend in Where appropriate, DWQR investigated the the microbiological quality of drinking water in circumstances of these incidents and made Scotland will continue and DWQR is recommendations. A summary of the findings monitoring this situation very closely. Data may be found on the DWQR website, going back to the year 1991 are shown in www.dwqr.org.uk Figure 2.1, and these clearly show the 2005 results in the context of those of the previous 14 years.
5 6 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
3. Introduction
7 3. Introduction
8 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
3. Introduction
3.1 Role of the Regulator Wales. In Scotland the DWQR is responsible for The quality of drinking water in Scotland is enforcing The Water Supply (Water Quality) regulated by the Drinking Water Quality (Scotland) Regulations independently of Regulator for Scotland (DWQR). The DWQR is Ministers, whereas the DWI carries out this role responsible for monitoring and confirming that on behalf of Ministers. drinking water supplied by Scottish Water meets the requirements of the Water Supply (Water 3.2 Powers of the Regulator Quality)(Scotland) Regulations 2001 and is safe The DWQR has three main powers. These are in to drink. Scottish Water is a publicly owned respect of the power to obtain information, the company and is the sole supplier of public power of entry or inspection and the power of drinking water in Scotland. The DWQR does enforcement. The DWQR can vary and/or not collect and analyse water samples; it closely withdraw enforcement notices but he must keep monitors the quality of samples collected by a register of any notices issued. In addition, the Scottish Water to ensure they meet the required DWQR has emergency powers to require a standard and have been taken at the prescribed water supplier to carry out works to ensure that frequencies. The DWQR also inspects and audits the quality of water supplied is safe for public the facilities used by Scottish Water to analyse consumption. DWQR can also instruct a local samples to ensure that the analysis and authority to provide information held by it reporting of results is accurate. with regard to enforcement undertaken by the local authority. Local authorities are responsible for monitoring the quality of the many small private water 3.3 About this Report supplies in Scotland, but the DWQR has a role Each year the Regulator must submit an annual in ensuring that these responsibilities are report to Scottish Ministers. The annual report undertaken satisfactorily. In 2005 these summarises and comments on the drinking water responsibilities were defined by the Private Water quality results for the preceding year. It also Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 1992, however, includes an account of any investigations or these have now been superseded by the Private enforcement actions carried out by the Regulator Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2006. during the period covered by the report.
The post of Drinking Water Quality Regulator This is the fourth such annual report that has for Scotland was created in the Water Industry been prepared by the Drinking Water Quality (Scotland) Act 2002. This placed the functions of Regulator for Scotland and submitted to Scottish the Regulator on a statutory footing. Although Ministers. It presents and reviews the the DWQR has similar functions to those of the information provided by Scottish Water under Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in England the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) and Wales, the separation between Ministers Regulations 2001 and reflects the dealings that and the Regulator is greater in Scotland than in the DWQR had with Scottish Water between England and Wales because Scottish Water is a 1 January and 31 December 2005. The report publicly-owned body as opposed to the also presents and reviews information on private privately-owned companies in England and supplies provided by the local authorities.
9 3. Introduction
This report is structured slightly differently to an appropriate application for an Authorised previous years in order to present more Departure, enforcement action can be taken. information about water quality at a local level Details of Authorised Departures granted by and to include more information on private Scottish Ministers in 2004 are listed in supplies, Cryptosporidium and consumer Annex F. No enforcement action was taken complaints. Section 4 of the report covers the against Scottish Water in 2005. subject at a national level, examining the water quality in sources, at water treatment works, and 3.4 The 10 Key Drinking Water Quality through the distribution system to consumers’ Standards in Scotland taps. Section 5 breaks the national results down The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) into the five regions of Scotland representing Regulations 2001 set out the quality standards WaterWatch Scotland panel areas, which allows that drinking water must meet and define the comparisons to be made between regions. frequency at which Scottish Water is required Section 6 retains the local authority pages used to test for each parameter. Ten key drinking in previous reports, providing greater detail on water quality standards have been identified drinking water quality at consumers’ taps and which are of particular significance when of water quality incidents. considering the quality of drinking water in Scotland. They have been selected because they Throughout the report reference is made to the are of particular relevance to Scotland and need for action where non-trivial breaches of provide a useful indication of water quality the standards set in the 2001 Regulations have or because they are parameters which have a been identified. If Scottish Water is not able to higher regulatory frequency of sampling. The take action quickly to remedy such a breach 10 Key Drinking Water Quality Standards in then Scottish Water will normally apply to Scotland are shown below, together with the Scottish Ministers for an Authorised Departure Prescribed Concentration or Value (PCV) set out which will apply while steps are taken to secure in the regulations: compliance. If Scottish Ministers do not receive
Parameter Significance Total Coliforms The coliform group of bacteria is present in large numbers in the gut of all warm-blooded animals but is also widely distributed in the PCV 0 per 100ml environment. While their presence in water supplies may indicate a Sampled at treatment works, breach in the integrity of the water supply system or a failure of the service reservoirs in the treatment process, it may not be presumed that faecal pollution has distribution system and at occurred. It is generally considered that coliforms themselves do not consumers’ taps. present a risk to health, however they are a useful indicator in monitoring the quality of water supplies.
10 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Parameter Significance Faecal Coliforms Faecal coliforms are present in large numbers in the gut of all warm- blooded animals. Their presence in water supplies indicates a breach PCV 0 per 100ml in the integrity of the water supply system and that faecal pollution Sampled at treatment works, may have occurred. The detection of faecal coliforms in a water service reservoirs in the supply is taken very seriously. distribution system and at consumers’ taps.
Colour Colour in water comes from naturally occurring humic substances, particularly in acidic water sources derived from peaty moorland PCV 20 mg/l Pt/Co catchment areas. High colour may be unacceptable to consumers on Sampled at consumers’ taps. aesthetic grounds and the humic substances responsible for colour may form other compounds when the water is disinfected. Colour may be removed by appropriate treatment.
Turbidity Turbidity is a measure of the “cloudiness” of the water. Naturally occurring turbidity is usually caused by the suspension of tiny particles PCV 4 NTU of predominantly inorganic origin. High turbidity may be a result of Sampled at consumers’ taps poor control of the treatment process, particularly the coagulation and (1NTU standard applies at filtration stage, and could indicate that the treatment process has not treatment works). provided an effective barrier against organisms such as Cryptosporidium. Turbidity is unacceptable to consumers on aesthetic grounds and may also compromise disinfection.
Hydrogen Ion (pH) Most surface waters and many groundwaters in Scotland are slightly corrosive towards the materials used in water treatment systems and PCV 6.5 – 9.5 consumers’ installations. This effect persists even when the pH is above Sampled at consumers’ taps. neutral (pH7) and is countered by adding an alkali during treatment to raise the pH. As chlorine disinfection is more effective at low pH addition of alkali is normally made after the disinfection stage. Extreme pH values may present a risk to the health of consumers.
Aluminium Aluminium occurs in acidic waters derived from moorland catchments and is removed in water treatment by coagulation and filtration. PCV 200 µg/l Aluminium sulphate is used as a coagulant in water treatment. High Sampled at consumers’ taps. concentrations are unacceptable to consumers on aesthetic grounds.
11 3. Introduction
Parameter Significance Iron Iron is present naturally in many water sources and is removed by conventional water treatment processes. Iron in water supplies may also PCV 200 µg/l be derived from corrosion of iron water mains and poor control of Sampled at consumers’ taps. water treatment processes. High iron concentrations are unacceptable to consumers on aesthetic grounds as they may cause discoloured supplies.
Manganese Manganese occurs naturally in many water sources. It may be removed from water by using an appropriate treatment process. Where treatment PCV 50 µg/l processes do not remove manganese, it may accumulate in water Sampled at consumers’ taps. mains as a sediment or coating. Elevated manganese concentrations are unacceptable to consumers on aesthetic grounds as they may cause discoloured supplies.
Lead Lead is not normally naturally present in water sources but significant concentrations may be present at consumers’ taps if lead pipes have PCV 25 µg/l been used in the internal household plumbing or service pipe that Sampled at consumers’ taps connects the property to the main in the street. Many waters in (reduces to 10µg/l in 2013). Scotland have a tendency to dissolve lead from lead pipework, but phosphate compounds can often be dosed at the treatment works to reduce this tendency.
Trihalomethanes Trihalomethanes (THMs) are a range of compounds which occur in drinking water principally as products of the reaction of chlorine with PCV 100 µg/l for total of four naturally occurring organic materials present in the water. Treatment of the compounds. processes can be adapted to minimise their formation or to remove the Sampled at consumers’ taps. precursor compounds. Many water supplies in Scotland contain significant quantities of the precursor compounds which can form THMs, which makes control of the treatment process particularly important. A number of Authorised Departures have been granted in Scotland to enable Scottish Water to improve supplies which do not currently meet the standard for THMs.
Cryptosporidium Although not one of the 10 key parameters, which can survive in the environment for long Cryptosporidium is closely monitored in drinking periods. Once ingested, Cryptosporidium water supplies in Scotland. Cryptosporidium is multiplies rapidly in the gut and oocysts are a microscopic protozoan parasite which can excreted in very large numbers, completing the live in the gut of humans and warm blooded life cycle of the organism. In humans, infection animals. There are a number of species of can cause stomach cramps and diarrhoea and, Cryptosporidium, not all of which are thought to in extreme cases, can be fatal to the immuno- be infectious to humans. All species form oocysts compromised or to the very young or old.
12 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Cryptosporidium can enter a water supply if address of the property where the problem has faecal material is washed into the source (raw) occurred, the nature and duration of your water and any oocysts are not removed by the concerns and details of any contact you have treatment process. Standard chlorine disinfection had with Scottish Water regarding the problem. is not generally effective against oocysts, so removal using a filter barrier is the accepted Please note that the DWQR can only investigate process. The Cryptosporidium (Scottish Water) concerns relating to the quality of public Directions 2003 set out the measures Scottish drinking water supplies in Scotland. Water is expected to take in monitoring and For matters concerning private supplies in operating assets to prevent oocysts from Scotland you should contact the Environmental contaminating drinking water supplies. Health Department of your local council. The website www.privatewatersupplies.gov.uk 3.5 Contacting the Regulator contains further information on private water If you are concerned about the quality of the supplies. drinking water in your home or place of work, in the first instance you should contact For matters concerning services provided by Scottish Water and ask them to investigate. Scottish Water other than the quality of the Scottish Water water supplied you should contact WaterWatch PO Box 8855 Scotland: [email protected] Edinburgh EH10 6YQ For information on the quality of public Tel 0845 601 8855 supplies elsewhere in the UK you should contact the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) If, having discussed the matter with Scottish for England or Wales or the Northern Ireland Water, you do not feel that the issue has been Drinking Water Inspectorate. The DWQR works satisfactorily resolved, you should contact the closely with both of these organisations to Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland. ensure a consistent approach is taken towards The DWQR can investigate on your behalf and ensuring the quality of drinking water across take action if necessary. DWQR will inform you the UK. A Memorandum of Understanding of the outcome of any investigation. between the three bodies can be found on the DWQR website: www.dwqr.org.uk The DWQR may be contacted either by writing to: Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland PO Box 23598 EDINBURGH EH6 6WW or emailing [email protected].
When contacting DWQR, please provide as much information as possible, including the
13 14 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
15 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
16 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
4A Public Water Supplies in Scotland Key Facts Table 4a
Lochs, Reservoirs and Developed Sources Springs and Boreholes TOTAL River Intakes Number 488 98 586 Yield (Ml/d) Volume of Water Distributed (Ml/d) Treatment Works <2.5 2.5 to 10 >10 TOTAL Number 165 53 117 335 Daily Supply (Ml/d) 120 260 2,325 2,363 Capacity of Reservoir (Ml) Service Reservoirs <2 2 to 10 >10 TOTAL Number 876 203 48 1,127 Capacity (Ml)* 305 903 1133 2342 Distribution Network Length of Mains (km) Diameter of pipe <150mm 150-300mm >300mm TOTAL Length (km) 27,687 14,025 5,230 46,942 Size of Zone (Population) Supply Zones <5,000 5,000 to 20,000 >20,000 TOTAL Number 247 49 78 374 Population 162,209 505,252 4,314,893 4,982,354 *Note that capacities are given for all ‘service reservoirs’ which includes Break Pressure Tanks, Water Towers and Clear Water Tanks
Public water supplies in Scotland are the In 2005 there were 374 water supply zones in responsibility of Scottish Water. In Scotland Scotland. The number of treatment works and 83% of water supplies are derived from surface supply zones in Scotland has been steadily water sources with the remainder being derived decreasing as Scottish Water and its predecessors from groundwater sources. Water from all of have developed regional schemes to replace these sources is treated at 335 treatment works many of the smaller supplies, improving before distribution through 1,127 service operational efficiency and the quality of water reservoirs and over 46,942 km of mains. On supplied. In addition, the introduction of the average, about 2,363 Megalitres (Ml) of potable Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) water is supplied each day to about 99% of the Regulations 2001 increased the maximum resident population. The remainder of the population allowed in a single water supply population are served by private supplies, zone from 50,000 to 100,000. This enabled which are covered in Section 4B of this report. Scottish Water to rationalise some of its supply zones in urban areas.
17 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
Assessment of Water Quality Compliance In contrast to the 1990 Regulations, the 2001 Schedule 3 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations do not enable Scottish Ministers to (Scotland) Regulations 2001 sets out the number authorise the relaxation of a PCV. However, of samples that have to be taken by Scottish where a non-trivial exceedence of a Schedule 1 Water from each water treatment works, service parameter occurs, Scottish Water can apply for reservoir and supply zone every year. The an Authorised Departure, which allows for a majority of samples in water supply zones are temporary departure from the standard while taken from randomly selected consumer taps. work is undertaken to secure compliance with The Drinking Water Quality Regulator expects the Regulations. This process is described in full compliance with the sampling frequencies full in Annex C. specified in the 2001 regulations. Circumstances outwith Scottish Water’s control can occasionally It is important to note that the PCV for each prevent samples from being taken, but parameter that is of health significance is based over-sampling is not allowed. on World Health Organization guidelines and is set with a wide margin of safety. For parameters In practice, each sample is tested for several that are of aesthetic significance, the standards parameters so the text and the tables relate to are generally set well below the level at which the number of determinations (tests) made for water would become unacceptable to consumers. each individual parameter rather than to the A contravention of a standard is not necessarily number of samples taken. If Scottish Ministers indicative that the water is unfit to drink or have authorised supply point sampling for represents a risk to health. certain parameters, the results for these parameters are recorded for each zone supplied A contravention of a PCV is of significance from the point the sample was taken. A single because it means that the water supplied at the result could therefore be recorded against two time the sample was taken cannot be regarded or more zones. as wholesome as defined by the Regulations. When a contravention is considered in The 2001 Regulations set a prescribed conjunction with other monitoring results, it concentration or value (PCV) for 40 parameters may indicate that work is necessary in order to in Schedule 1 of the Regulations. In general, to meet the high standards set in the Regulations. be wholesome, water must not contain a When considering some contraventions, parameter in excess of a PCV; in the case of the especially those for lead and microbiological hydrogen ion parameter (pH) the value must lie parameters, it is important to remember that in a range defined by a maximum and minimum the samples have been taken from a consumer’s prescribed value. Schedule 2 of the Regulations taps and may reflect the condition of the tap or sets values for a further 11 “indicator” associated plumbing rather than the water in parameters. These are not part of the definition the public supply. of wholesomeness unless a breach of the standard constitutes a risk to health, however Scottish Water is required to investigate any exceedences which occur.
18 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
The general rule that any individual The presence of faecal coliforms (E. coli) in the contravention of a PCV constitutes a breach of same sample would indicate that the the Regulations and thus causes the water to be contamination was of faecal origin. It should regarded as unwholesome, does not apply to the be noted that while the Regulations permit up coliform standard at service reservoirs, specified to 5% of samples taken from each service in the 2001 Regulations. The requirement in reservoir to contain coliforms, they require that Table A of Schedule 1 and regulation 4(6), is faecal coliforms should be absent in all only breached if 5% or more of determinations samples. carried out over the preceding year contain coliforms. Overall Compliance The drinking water quality results reported by In addition to absolute PCVs for nitrite and Scottish Water for 2005 show that 345,761 tests nitrate, regulation 4(d) specifies an additional were carried out on samples taken from water requirement reflecting the combined treatment works, service reservoirs and concentration of the two parameters, consumer taps. Of the 153,291 tests on samples namely that the water satisfies the formula taken from consumer taps, 99.56% met the [nitrate]/50 +[nitrite]/3 <1 where the square required standard. This is an increase of 0.14% brackets refer to the concentration of the two on compliance for 2004. A total of 669 tests compounds in mg/l. An assessment of gave results which did not meet the standard compliance with this formula was not included set out in the Water Supply (Water in the data presented by Scottish Water to Quality)(Scotland) Regulations 2001. The largest DWQR, however, calculations show that this number of failing samples was for the total standard was not breached in 2005. coliform and trihalomethane parameters. Further details may be found in Section 4.4. The term “total coliforms” refers to the parameter listed in Table A of Schedule 1 and 4.1 Quality of Drinking Water Sources in Schedule 2 of the Regulations. It includes all The 2001 Regulations do not require Scottish coliform organisms whether faecal in origin or Water to sample its water sources, although not. In the following sections, the term sampling does take place for operational “coliforms” has been used for the total coliform reasons and to comply with the Surface Waters parameter to simplify the text. The detection of coliforms in a sample is indicative of potential contamination that must be investigated.
19 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
Table 4.1a Summary of Data from Water Quality Sampling in Reservoirs and Lochs used for public drinking water supplies
Parameter Units Number of Samples Minimum Maximum Mean Coliform bacteria (number/100ml) 148 0 1,090 46.75 E. coli (number/100ml) 147 0 310 20.35 Enterococci (CFU in 100ml) 163 0 540 15.13 Colour (mg/l Pt/Co) 321 1 252 44.02 Hydrogen ion (pH value) 321 5 8.5 7.09 Iron (µg/l) 268 3 1,771 152.35 Manganese (µg/l) 269 0.4 1,215.5 28.62 Ammonium (mgNH4/l) 317 0 0.4 0.03 Nitrate (mgNO3/l) 319 0.3 27.9 2.41 Pesticides: Total (µg/l) 260 0 0.03 0.00
(Abstraction for Drinking Water) (classification) (Scotland) Regulations 1996.
The table shows a summary of selected results Some substances, such as iron and manganese, from tests carried out on samples taken from are naturally occurring. Others such as nitrate loch and reservoir sources in 2005. The data is a and pesticides are present because of agricultural combined summary of all the sources that were activities. It can be expensive to remove these sampled. It provides an indication of the range substances from water, however, as the data of waters Scottish Water is required to treat in shows, they are not present in many Scottish order to produce water that complies with the sources. This is because most sources in Scotland standards set down in the 2001 Regulations. are derived from upland catchments where agricultural activity is limited.
20 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Table 4.1b Source Water Cryptosporidium Data – 10 sites with the highest mean count Number of Maximum oocyst Average oocyst Treatment Works Region Samples count per 10l count per 10l Kirbister W.Isles, Orkney and Shetland 23 4.64 0.33 Turriff North East 52 1.91 0.23 Forehill North East 49 3.26 0.17 Westray W.Isles, Orkney and Shetland 10 1.47 0.16 Invercannie North East 363 2.48 0.14 Mannofield North East 359 1.38 0.13 Herricks Potable North East 24 0.74 0.13 Lomond Hills North East 12 0.71 0.10 Craighead North East 25 0.93 0.08 Penwhapple South West 3 0.22 0.07 Scotland (Total) 2,228 4.64 0.07
The Cryptosporidium Directions (Scottish Water) oocysts in raw water samples. It can be seen 2003 require Scottish Water to sample its raw that the majority of these are in the North East (or source) waters for Cryptosporidium at all region, perhaps reflecting patterns of sites that have been designated as high risk. In agricultural activity. An appropriate, well 2005, a total of 65 raw waters were sampled optimised treatment process should ensure across Scotland. Positive Cryptosporidium these oocysts are not present in the final water. samples were found in all but 23 of these sites. Table 4.1b shows a summary of the data for the whole of Scotland and details the ten sites with the highest average count of Cryptosporidium
21 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
4.2 Drinking Water Quality at Treatment Works
Table 4.2a Summary of Microbiological Tests on Samples Taken at Treatment Works and Comparison with Previous Years 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 Coliforms Number of determinations 33,623 34,524 35,325 39,584 39,230 Number containing coliforms 130 118 108 131 111 Percentage containing coliforms 0.38 0.34 0.3 0.33 0.28 Faecal coliforms Number of determinations 33,623 34,524 35,325 39,584 39,230 Number containing faecal coliforms 51 54 59 75 63 Percentage containing faecal coliforms 0.15 0.16 0.17 0.19 0.16
The Regulations require that samples are taken 2003. The exact reason for the increase is from treatment works and tested for a number unclear, but the summary, in Section 5 of this of parameters. These include microbiological report, of incidents that occurred during 2005 parameters, order confirm the effectiveness of shows that the disinfection process at some the disinfection process, and turbidity and treatment works is not as robust as it should nitrite which demonstrate control of other be. The DWQR expects Scottish Water to work treatment processes. to improve its compliance at water treatment works, both through investment and The table above shows summary results for improvements in operational procedures. tests carried out for coliforms and E. coli on samples taken from treatment works in 2005. The corresponding figure for E. coli (faecal One hundred and thirty (0.38%) of the samples coliforms) of 51 failures (0.15%) shows an taken at treatment works in 2005 contained improvement, which is to be welcomed, coliforms. This is an increase on both 2004 and although the failure rate is not significantly better than the 2001 figure of 0.16%.
Table 4.2b Summary of Nitrite Tests on Samples Taken at Treatment Works
Nitrite 2005 2004 Indicator Standard = 0.1mg/l Number of determinations 3,434 3,135 Number of determinations exceeding standard 9 12 Percentage of determinations exceeding standard 0.26 0.38 Number of treatment works not meeting regulatory requirements 9 2 Percentage of treatment works not meeting regulatory requirements 2.69 0.55
22 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Nitrite is a compound which can form when of 0.26%. This is an improvement on 2004, there is an excess of ammonia in a supply. It is when 12 samples failed. It should be noted that an Indicator Parameter in treated water, and the whereas in 2004 the failures were in samples standard was introduced in order to monitor from only two treatment works; in 2005 nine the effectiveness of the disinfection process, works recorded failures. As these were all particularly where chloramination is used. single failures which were not repeated, it is unlikely that they represent a significant loss of In 2005, 9 samples failed to meet the required process control, however this is a trend which standard of 0.1mg/l, representing a failure rate will be monitored closely in future years.
Table 4.2c Summary of Turbidity Tests on Samples Taken at Treatment Works
Turbidity 2005 2004 Indicator Standard = 1 NTU at WTW Number of determinations 8,970 11,071 Number of determinations exceeding standard 112 131 Percentage of determinations exceeding standard 1.25 1.18 Number of treatment works not meeting regulatory requirements 49 57 Percentage of treatment works not meeting regulatory requirements 14.6 15.8
Turbidity of treated water is an important In 2005 112 samples exceeded the standard, measurement because it can provide an representing 1.25% of samples tested. 14.6% of indication of how well the treatment process Scottish Water’s treatment works recorded at is removing particulate matter (including least one failure of the standard in 2005. Cryptosporidium). It can also provide an indication of the effectiveness of disinfection because it is difficult to adequately disinfect turbid waters.
Table 4.2d Summary of 2005 Sample Data for Cryptosporidium in Final Water
Number of Number of Number Number of sites % of sampled sites scheduled samples of sites with samples with samples Region samples containing oocysts sampled containing oocysts containing oocysts North East 3,463 66 31 15 48.39 North West 2,625 380 140 67 47.86 South East 1,935 164 43 21 48.84 South West 1,798 83 47 9 19.15 Western Isles, 870 35 35 11 31.43 Orkney and Shetland Scotland 10,691 728 296 123 41.55
23 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
Depending on the local risk assessment, 4.3 Drinking Water Quality in Distribution Scottish Water’s treatment works should have Systems had between 12 and 365 Cryptosporidium The network of water mains, service reservoirs samples taken in 2005, with the exact sample and water towers which carries drinking water frequency being determined by the from the treatment works to the consumer is Cryptosporidium Directions. In 2005, Scottish known as the distribution system. Regardless of Water made significant progress to improve how thoroughly drinking water has been compliance with the defined sampling treated, the condition of the distribution system frequencies, following a shortfall in 2004. can have a significant effect on the quality of 10,691 scheduled regulatory samples were taken the water passing through it. Cast iron mains in 2005 and of these, 728 contained corrode and can add particles of iron to the Cryptosporidium oocysts. The number of water. Deposits of iron, manganese or aluminium oocysts detected was generally very low and lying in the system, which have accumulated well below the level at which health from inefficient treatment processes, perhaps professionals would require action to be taken. long since replaced, can be stirred up by changes In 2005, at least one positive sample in the flow to cause discoloured supplies. was recorded at 41.6% of the treatment works in Scotland. Service reservoirs which are not maintained in good structural condition can be prone to inward In the Autumn and Winter of 2005, and leakage from contaminated surface water. extensive audit was carried out of Scottish Secondary disinfection is installed at some Water Compliance with the Cryptosporidium service reservoirs, but this should only be used Directions. Whilst there remain a few points where chlorine residuals diminish because the requiring further work to achieve full reservoirs are part of long distribution networks. compliance, the DWQR is pleased to report that In such cases there may be a need to boost the majority of requirements have been disinfection levels to achieve a disinfection implemented. DWQR shall continue to check residual at the end of the network. However, it compliance through the annual technical is important that secondary disinfection does auditing programme to ensure that the not disguise a more fundamental problem with Directions are fully integrated with Scottish a service reservoir such as compromised Water’s routine operations. structural integrity. Scottish Water adopts a risk based approach to cleaning and refurbishing Further details of Cryptosporidium samples service reservoirs. The DWQR inspects a selection taken may be found in the regional pages in of structures each year in order to ensure that Section 5 of this report. they are being maintained and operated in a way which minimises any risk to water quality.
24 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
The Regulations require that Scottish Water samples every storage point each week it is in operation. Faecal coliforms must not be present in any sample taken from a service reservoir and for total coliforms the requirement is that 95% of samples are clear.
Table 4.3a Summary of Microbiological Tests on Samples Taken from Service Reservoirs and Comparison with Previous Years
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 Coliforms Number of determinations 56,410 56,340 56,582 58,445 56,542 Number containing coliforms 224 328 245 403 298 Percentage containing coliforms 0.39 0.58 0.43 0.69 0.53 Faecal coliforms Number of determinations 56,410 56,340 56,582 58,445 56,542 Number containing faecal coliforms 35 72 46 93 88 Percentage containing faecal coliforms 0.06 0.13 0.08 0.16 0.16
Summary results for service reservoirs in 2005 compared to those for previous years show that 0.39% of samples contained coliforms and 0.06% contained E. coli. Both figures represent an improvement on previous years.
25 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
Table 4.3b Operational Performance Indicator (TIM) in Scotland
OPI(TIM) is a an operational performance performance of the distribution system and its indicator which is being used by all the UK tendency to cause discoloured water incidents. drinking water quality regulators to monitor Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the the performance of distribution systems. water and iron and manganese are the two OPI(TIM) looks at regulatory sample data for substances most commonly associated with turbidity, iron and manganese. These are the discoloured supplies. three parameters which best reflect the
Rank (Worst First) Water Supply Zone Region OPI (TIM) 2005 1 Meavaig Western Isles Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland 50.00 Achaphubuil North West =2 Penwhirn Barclye South East 66.67 Yarrowford South East Govig Western Isles Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland Rhenigidale Western Isles Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland 3Penwhirn Palnure South East 75.00 4Penwhirn South East 79.71 Balnain North West 83.33 Cannich North West 83.33 Dalchreichart North West 83.33 Bliach North West 83.33 =5 Inchlaggan North West 83.33 Sanna North West 83.33 Laid North West 83.33 Dunside South West 83.33 Eriskay Western Isles Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland 83.33 Mean OPI(TIM) in Scotland 98.50
26 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Whilst iron in water supplies is commonly This also explains why many of the OPI(TIM) derived from the corrosion of cast iron water scores are the same. Despite this, there is no mains, it may also originate from a poorly doubt that many of these small supplies do performing water treatment works which is allow large amounts of iron to enter the failing to adequately remove naturally occurring distribution system, usually due to inadequate iron from the raw water. Elevated manganese treatment. The Authorised Departure process concentrations always originate from a treatment (Annex C) provides a formal process by which source. Both compounds may be deposited in Scottish Ministers can track failing zones and distribution systems where low velocities require Scottish Water to install appropriate enable them to settle out and accumulate. Such remedial measures. Meavaig Western Isles, the deposits may later be disturbed by changing zone with the lowest OPI(TIM), was granted an flows to cause discolouration. OPI(TIM) is also, Authorised Departure and should now be fully therefore, a measure of the effectiveness of compliant for iron and manganese. techniques used by Scottish Water to keep the distribution system clean. Several supply zones which feature on the table are in the same area of Dumfries and Galloway. A full description of OPI(TIM), which is derived The low score in these zones reflects the failure from the Mean Zonal Compliance for turbidity, of the treatment works to remove iron and iron and manganese, may be found in Annex E. manganese and the poor condition of the distribution system. The DWQR is monitoring Table 4.3b shows that OPI(TIM) for Scotland the situation in this area closely. in 2005 was 98.50. This value will be the benchmark for comparison in future years. The 4.4 Drinking Water Quality at Consumer Taps table also shows the worst performing zones in Most tests to verify compliance with the 2005, reflected by the lowest OPI(TIM) scores. regulations are undertaken on samples taken from consumers taps. Sample frequencies are Many of the supply zones listed are in the based on the population of the water supply North West and Western Isles, Orkney Islands zone. Sample locations are chosen at random and Shetland regions. In part, this can be within the zone and sampling should be evenly explained by the small populations of many of distributed throughout the year. these zones which means that only a small number of samples require to be taken throughout the year. One failure within a small dataset can have a large impact upon OPI(TIM).
27 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
Table 4.4a Summary of All Tests on Samples Taken from Consumer Taps in Scotland in 2005
Determinations Water Supply Zones Exceeding P.C.V Exceeding P.C.V No. with Mean Zonal Authorised Compliance Parameter Total No. No. % No. % Departure* (MZC) Key Parameters Total coliforms 14,263 138 0.97 89 23.80 0 98.52 E. coli 14,257 21 0.15 19 5.10 0 99.33 Colour 5,352 81 1.51 41 11.00 19 95.67 Turbidity 5,355 6 0.11 6 1.60 0 99.82 Hydrogen ion (pH) 5,357 56 1.04 40 10.70 3 95.51 Aluminium 5,343 33 0.62 24 6.40 0 98.99 Iron 5,344 79 1.48 47 12.60 18 96.57 Manganese 5,343 44 0.82 29 7.70 0 99.10 Lead 1,742 21 1.20 19 5.10 0 98.09 Total Trihalomethanes 1,739 101 5.81 58 15.50 20 93.89 Other Parameters Other Parameters Ammonium 5,319 24 0.45 8 2.14 0 99.77 Antimony 1,735 10 0.58 10 2.68 0 99.65 Arsenic 1,737 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Benzene 1,739 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Boron 1,739 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Bromate 1,739 8 0.46 7 1.87 0 99.29 Cadmium 1,738 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Chloride 1,741 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Chromium 1,736 2 0.11 2 0.53 0 99.46 Clostridium perfringens 5,343 14 0.26 13 3.47 0 99.55 Conductivity 5,357 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Copper 1,743 3 0.17 3 0.80 0 99.39 Cyanide 1,738 1 0.06 1 0.27 0 99.97 Enterococci 1,737 1 0.06 1 0.27 0 99.97 Fluoride 1,737 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Mercury 1,745 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Nickel 1,738 1 0.06 1 0.27 0 99.97 Nitrate 2,487 2 0.08 2 0.53 0 99.66 Nitrite 2,495 15 0.60 3 0.80 0 99.91 Odour 5,355 3 0.06 3 0.80 0 99.92 Pesticides 21,980 2 0.01 2 0.53 0 99.99 (all individual) Pesticides Total 2,497 1 0.04 1 0.27 0 99.95 Selenium 1,737 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Sodium 1,741 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Sulphate 1,736 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Taste 5,330 2 0.04 2 0.53 0 99.93 Total Organic Carbon 1,738 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 1,2 Dichloroethane 1,739 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 100 Total All Parameters 153,291 669 0.44 220 58 24 99.42 *In force for all or part of 2005
28 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
The table summarises the results of all samples parameters, an indication of overall performance taken from consumers taps in 2005. The 10 key may be provided. A more full description of parameters which are of most significance for Mean Zonal Compliance is given in Annex E. drinking water quality are shown first. The remaining parameters are listed alphabetically. In table 4.4a, the Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) is shown for each parameter across Scotland. Mean Zonal Compliance has been used for the The Overall Compliance figure for Scotland as first time, in common with other UK drinking a whole is derived by taking the mean of the water quality regulators. This is a simple MZC for every parameter for which there is a calculation which reflects the percentage of numerical standard. In 2005 the Overall samples which met the required standard for Compliance for Scotland was 99.42%. This agiven parameter and water supply zone. figure will provide the baseline against which By taking an arithmetic mean of each zonal future performance is tracked. compliance across any group of zones or The 10 Key Parameters Microbiological Parameters Table 4.4b Summary of Microbiological Tests on Samples Taken at Consumer Taps and Comparison with Previous Years 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 Coliforms Number of determinations 14,263 13,988 15,625 16,299 17,180 Number containing coliforms 138 123 135 204 158 Percentage containing coliforms 0.97 0.88 0.86 1.25 0.92 Faecal coliforms Number of determinations 14,263 13,988 15,625 16,299 17,180 Number containing faecal coliforms 21 18 24 30 23 Percentage containing faecal coliforms 0.15 0.13 0.15 0.18 0.13
Out of all the drinking water quality data, the The reason for the decline in coliform results of microbiological tests carried out on compliance is not clear, although it does mirror samples taken from consumer taps undoubtedly a decline in compliance at treatment works. hold the greatest significance for public health. The trend is also visible at a local level, when Table 4.6 shows data from 2005 and the four the data is analysed by Local Authority. There preceding years for coliforms and E. coli. Both have undoubtedly been a number of water percentage compliance figures for 2005 show a quality incidents reported to DWQR in 2005 deterioration when compared against 2004 data. which involved failure of the disinfection It could be argued that the number of samples process or microbiological exceedences which containing E. coli shows no statistically will have contributed to the trend. significant difference between 2005 and the preceding two years, but there is certainly a clear reduction in coliform compliance over the same period.
29 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
Table 4.4c Mean Zonal Compliance for Microbiological Tests by Region
Western Isles, South West North West North East South East Orkney and Shetland
MZC - Coliforms 99.31 97.98 99.12 99.21 97.73 MZC - E. coli 99.91 98.86 99.98 99.86 98.98
This table shows the MZC for the coliform and Trihalomethanes E. coli parameters. Both sets of data show that As with previous years, the parameter with the the North West and Western Isles, Orkney greatest percentage of samples exceeding the Islands and Shetland regions have the poorest prescribed concentration or value (PCV) is Total microbiological compliance. These areas are also Trihalomethanes (THMs). There is a significant responsible for the majority of the incidents improvement on 2004, reflecting the work involving disinfection failure reported to DWQR carried out by Scottish Water to improve its in 2005. It is likely that the trend reflects large treatment processes. However much work number of works with only basic treatment remains to be done to secure full compliance which are currently found in these areas. with the THM standard. This will continue to be monitored and regulated via the Authorised Departure process.
Table 4.4d Mean Zonal Compliance for Trihalomethanes by Region
Western Isles, South West North West North East South East Orkney and Shetland
MZC - Trihalomethanes 94.93 90.67 99.58 95.03 98.72
The table shows that the North West area has not have a treatment process capable of by far the lowest MZC for THMs, reflecting the removing the compounds which form THMS large number of works in that area that still do when chlorine is added to the water.
30 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Colour and pH Compliance with the standards set for these North West and on the islands, many of which parameters also showed an improvement on previously only had basic disinfection. Again, previous years, reflecting the improvements the Authorised Departure process will continue carried out on the many small supplies in the to be used to facilitate these improvements.
Table 4.4e Mean Zonal Compliance for Colour and Hydrogen Ion by Region
Western Isles, South West North West North East South East Orkney and Shetland
MZC - Colour 100.00 91.61 99.93 98.73 94.81 MZC - Hydrogen ion 99.90 92.30 99.58 99.89 91.33
The table shows that, despite recent Iron and Manganese improvements, there remains work to be done Iron and manganese are significant because to improve treatment processes in the North they cause discoloured supplies. In common West and Island regions. The relatively low with the other parameters, compliance has MZC for colour in the South East area is due to improved significantly in 2005, with 1.48% the problems experienced in the Alnwickhill of samples not meeting the standard in 2005 supply, where an increase in raw water colour against 2.51% in 2004. Whilst this indicates meant that the PCV was exceeded in many that progress is being made, the figure is still samples taken in parts of Edinburgh in 2005. too high, and consumer complaint data The problem has now been resolved. (Section 4.6) shows that, on occasion, many consumers still find the appearance of their water unacceptable.
Table 4.4f Mean Zonal Compliance for Aluminium, Iron and Manganese by Region
Western Isles, South West North West North East South East Orkney and Shetland MZC - Aluminium 99.50 98.96 99.09 99.84 97.11 MZC - Iron 99.03 96.87 99.32 95.79 92.60 MZC - Manganese 98.89 99.73 99.58 98.34 98.72
31 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
MZC for aluminium and is lowest in the North West and, in particular, the Islands. Iron compliance is also low in these areas and, additionally, the South East, where the supply zones around Newton Stewart have poor compliance. The North West and North East have the highest MZCs for manganese. Table 4.4g Mean Zonal Compliance for Lead by Region
Western Isles, South West North West North East South East Orkney and Shetland
MZC - Lead 98.64 98.49 98.09 96.96 100.00
Lead Other Parameters of Note Although not present in water as it leaves the Ammonium and nitrite recorded a significant treatment works, lead can dissolve into water number of failures in 2005. Both parameters supplies from lead service pipes and internal can reflect either poor control of the lead plumbing which is often found in older chloramination process, which is used for properties. Whilst not wholly within its control, disinfection, or low disinfectant residuals in the Scottish Water has a responsibility to ensure distribution system. Many of the nitrite that the concentration of lead at consumer taps exceedences can be attributed to two supply is as low as possible. This is achieved through zones supplied by Marchbank WTW near plumbosolvency control which reduces the Edinburgh. The DWQR has obtained assurances tendency of the water to dissolve lead from from Scottish Water that it is working to lead pipework. In addition, if a consumer resolve the problem in these supply zones and replaces their lead plumbing and any lead is monitoring progress closely. present in their part of the service pipe, Scottish Water must replace its part of the service pipe There were 10 exceedences of the antimony if it is made of lead. standard in 2005. This is an unusual parameter to fail the PCV, and the failures were attributed Lead compliance has shown little change from to a small quantity of antimony present in the 2004 and highlights the work Scottish Water plastic caps used on sample bottles. The use of must undertake if it is to meet the tighter these bottle caps by Scottish Water has now standard for lead of 10 microgrammes per litre been discontinued. which comes into force in 2013. DWQR will be working with Scottish Water and monitoring progress made to achieve the tighter standard.
Table 4.4g shows that MZC for lead is highest in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland and lowest in the South East. It is likely this is due to a number of factors such as the number of lead pipes present in the region, the tendency of the water to dissolve lead and the extent and effectiveness of any plumbosolvency dosing.
32 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
4.5 Summary of Drinking Water Quality very basic treatment which are vulnerable to Incidents rapid changes in the quality of the raw water. Scottish Water must inform DWQR of any Many of these incidents involved a failure of event at a water treatment works or in the the disinfection process. Scottish Water is distribution system that could adversely affect investing significant sums of money to improve water quality, cause concern to consumers or the treatment at these sites, and DWQR expects attract media attention. Details of each event Scottish Water to ensure that staffing and are assessed by DWQR and it may be classified operational procedures are adequate to as an incident if it was sufficiently serious or safeguard water quality. had the potential to be serious. Usually, DWQR will request a full report from Scottish Water Much progress was made by Scottish Water last on the causes and impact of any event year to ensure that if something goes wrong at classified as an incident, including details of a water treatment works, systems are in place the remedial action taken and actions by to alert the appropriate member of staff of the Scottish Water to prevent a recurrence. Where problem and enable a prompt response to appropriate DWQR will investigate further. All prevent water quality being adversely affected. events where a boil notice or alternative DWQR has been closely monitoring Scottish supplies are issued are classified as an incident Water’s efforts in this area, and while progress regardless of whether a report is requested by is being made, there continue to be water DWQR. quality incidents where problems were not discovered and rectified until it was too late to Figure 4.5 Drinking Water Quality Incidents avoid affecting final water quality. Throughout in 2005 by Region 2006 DWQR continue to investigate and monitor such situations to ensure Scottish 25 Water’s systems are robust and that its response is timely and appropriate when 20 something goes wrong. 15
10
5
0 North West North East South West Western Isles, South East Orkney and Shetland
In 2005, 42 events were classified as incidents. Of these, 15 resulted in the issue of a boil notice or the provision of alternative supplies following discussion between Scottish Water and the relevant NHS Board. Figure 4.9 shows incidents broken down by region. The greatest proportion of incidents occurred in the North West, reflecting the large number of small works with
33 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
Events and incidents will always occur, but Aerated (Milky/Cloudy) Water there is much that could be done to reduce the Water which has a milky appearance caused by number and severity of incidents from current tiny bubbles of entrained air which dissolve in levels. Scottish Water must do more to learn the water under pressure but come out of from events and incidents. DWQR will work solution at the consumers’ tap. A number of with Scottish Water to ensure that lessons causes are possible including burst mains, learned are disseminated across the malfunctioning pumps and throttled consumer organisation. Summaries of incidents which stop taps. If air is the cause of the milky water, occurred in 2005 may be found under the the cloudy appearance will clear in a glass of relevant regional pages in Section 5, with more water from the bottom up. details of selected incidents provided under the relevant local authority pages in Section 6. Stained Washing Brown or black staining to clothes washed 4.6 Summary of Complaints About Drinking inadvertently in discoloured water. Staining Water Quality may also arise from a fault with the washing Scottish Water is required to record details machine. If clothes are kept damp, the staining of complaints it receives from consumers may often be removed by gently acidifying concerning drinking water quality. DWQR also with a suitable substance such as citric acid. receives complaints from consumers. These Particles in Water complaints may be received by telephone, letter Visible particulate matter in water which is or email. Table 4.6a and Figure 4.6b show the otherwise not discoloured. This can be caused number and type of complaints recorded by by corrosion of iron mains or deposits of sand, Scottish Water in 2005. The meaning of the grit or other material which may be present in categories is described below: the main and is re-suspended following a flow Appearance of the Water disturbance.
Discoloured Water Taste and Odour of the Water Water with a discernable taint or colour caused Chlorine or Phenolic by suspended or dissolved matter. Two of the Excess residual chlorine or the product of most common causes are a yellow taint caused chlorine reacted with phenolic compounds by dissolved organic matter arising from peat which may be present in household plumbing. in upland sources and more general orange, Chlorine itself should dissipate if water is stood brown or black discolouration caused by in the fridge for a few hours and will also not suspended particles of iron (orange/brown) and be present after boiling. Phenolic tastes can be manganese (black). Iron discolouration may more persistent. Common descriptions used by occur through natural iron present in the raw customers include TCP, medicinal, swimming water passing through inadequate treatment or pool, bitter, and chemical. Common sources of from corrosion of cast iron distribution mains. phenol include washing machine hoses, tap Manganese is present in some raw waters and washers and kettles. British Standard approved may not be removed if treatment is inadequate. plumbing products do not contain phenol and should be used in all plumbing installations.
34 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Metallic Organisms in Water Metallic tastes may arise from an excess of iron, Complaints of insects or other animals in the aluminium or other metal dissolved in the water, water supply. Most complaints arise where an although normally there will also normally be insect has crawled up a tap or is present in the visible discolouration. Occasionally phenolic sink. Very occasionally water systems can complaints may be described as metallic. contain animals which may arise from the raw water, treatment works or within the mains Musty or Earthy themselves. This is extremely rare, however Musty or Earthy tastes can arise due to naturally organisms such as midge larvae (Chironomid) occurring compounds present in raw waters or water shrimp (Aesellus) have occasionally that have not been removed by the treatment been found in domestic supplies. process. Geosmin is one such compound commonly implicated. Complaints are more common in the summer months when biological activity is highest – algal blooms in raw water sources are common causes of widespread musty tastes.
Table 4.6a Complaints About Drinking Water Quality Received by Scottish Water in 2005
Complaint rate Complaint Category Number per 10,000 population % of total complaints Appearance of Water Discoloured Water 15,759 31.6 69.9 Aerated (Milky) Water 2,830 5.7 12.5 Stained Washing 86 0.2 0.4 Particles in Water 607 1.2 2.7 Taste and Odour of Water Chlorine or Phenolic 1,719 3.5 7.6 Metallic 517 1.0 2.3 Musty or Earthy 802 1.6 3.6 Organisms in Water 84 0.2 0.4 Other Complaint 149 0.3 0.7 TOTAL COMPLAINTS 22,553 45.3
35 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
Figure 4.6b Pie Chart Showing Proportion of disinfectant. Whilst it is essential that supplies Consumer Complaints about receive adequate disinfection to protect public Appearance and Taste and Odour health, the DWQR expects Scottish Water to Other Water monitor the use of chlorine carefully and to use Quality Complaint no more than is necessary. The DWQR has set Taste and 1% Scottish Water targets to improve the control of Odour of Water 13% the disinfection process at water treatment works.
Figure 4.6c Pie Chart Showing Consumer Complaints in 2005 by Region
South West North East 14,139 5,623
Appearance of Water 86% North West 2,568 The data shows that the appearance of drinking water generates by far the largest proportion of Western Isles, Orkney consumer complaints. This is mainly due to and Shetland complaints relating to discoloured water which 973 accounted for almost 7 complaints out of every South East 10 in 2005. In the North West it is likely that 5,330 many of these are due to highly coloured peaty waters where existing treatment is inadequate Figure 4.6c shows the number of consumer to fully remove the colour-causing compounds. complaints about drinking water quality by In other areas the deteriorating condition of old region. The South West region is responsible cast iron mains, leading to an accumulation of for the largest number of consumer complaints, iron sediment, is most likely to be the primary accounting for almost 50% of the total received cause of dissatisfaction. It is expected that in 2005. However this is in proportion to the Scottish Water will target both causes of percentage of the population who live in the discolouration by further investment in South West. The North West and Western Isles, improved treatment and the rehabilitation of Orkney Islands and Shetland regions have a ageing water mains during the next investment disproportionately large number of complaints period of 2006–2010. when compared to the population in these areas. The North East region has a slightly Taste and odour complaints accounted for 13% smaller share of total water quality complaints of the total. The majority of these were than would be expected from the proportion of connected to the use of chlorine as a the population it covers.
36 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
4B Private Water Supplies in Scotland
Key Facts for Private Water Supplies in Scotland
Table 4b Key Facts for Private Supplies in Scotland
Supply Classification Number in Scotland Population Served % of Population of Scotland Category 1 (Domestic) 19,303 88,508 1.75 Category 2(i) 1,289 27,563 0.54 Category 2(ii) 920 25,303 0.5 TOTAL 21,512 141,374 2.79
NOTES: Category 2 (i) supplies include all supplies serving premises used for commercial food production, i.e. those used for manufacturing, processing preparing or marketing of food and drink(including water) for sale or human consumption on or off the premises. Category 2 (ii) supplies include all supplies serving commercial camp sites, holiday villages, including properties used for commercial lettings, with changing populations which have been allocated to the classes of supply under Category Two of the Private Water Supplies Regulations (Scotland) 1992 as amended.
Private water supplies serve around 140,000 4.7 Private Water Supplies – Regulatory people in Scotland with many tens of thousands Framework of people using private water supplies as they The New Regulatory Framework and New access services such as tourist accommodation Approach to Regulations (B&Bs, hotels, etc.) and food outlets. The While the primary driver for legislative change regulatory framework for private water supplies was the revised Drinking Water Directive from in Scotland changed in 2006, and the new the European Commission (Council Directive Regulations will be discussed below. It should 98/83/EC, November 1998), other drivers be borne in mind that the figures presented in included the World Health Organization (WHO) this Report for private water supplies were Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality (3rd collated in respect of the former Regulatory Edition) and the Scottish Executive E. coli regime as set out in the Private Water Supplies O157 Task Force Report of June 2001. The (Scotland) Regulations 1992. overriding objective of the new Regulations The quality of private water supplies is highly was to ensure the provision of clean and variable and in the worst cases can cause wholesome water to rural communities and significant health problems. Health Protection rural businesses in Scotland. Scotland (HPS) estimate that those on private water supplies are at least 10 times more likely to become ill from consuming contaminated water than those on the public supply.
37 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
The new approach to regulation has been to In November 2001 the Scottish Executive shift the whole regulatory effort away from published a consultation outlining a variety of “end-of-pipe testing” i.e. testing the water that options regarding the future direction of private emerges from a tap, towards a more pro-active water supply Regulations. The consultation approach based around risk assessment, i.e. dealt with generic issues that apply to all trying to identify potential problems before private water supplies and issues required to they occur and taking appropriate steps to implement the revised Drinking Water Directive reduce or eliminate the risks such problems on the quality of water intended for human pose. Both the WHO and the Task Force Report consumption. Many of the comments made by stress the benefits of carrying out a thorough respondents to the consultation were acted risk assessment from water source through upon by the Executive. treatment to the point of consumption rather than just undertaking the more usual and One comment was that measures would be regular monitoring and sampling of a private required to respond to the financial impact of water supply which provides water quality achieving the public health aims of the new information at a specific point in time. The Regulations. These comments were recognised as Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations being legitimate and in 2003 specific provision 2006 adopt this new approach by incorporating was made in the Local Government in Scotland risk assessment as part of the core philosophy Act (2003) for Scottish Ministers to provide underpinning the Regulations. financial assistance through grants administered by local authorities and governed by The 1992 Regulations arose from the 1980 Regulations made by Ministers. In The Scottish Drinking Water Directive (80/778/EEC) which Executive’s Spending Review 2004 a total of was “concerned with standards for water £24 million was identified for the private water intended for human consumption”. The 1998 supplies Grant Scheme up to March 2008. The Directive is much more targeted with Article 1 Grant Scheme is detailed in the Private Water of the revised Directive stating “The objective of Supplies (Grants) (Scotland) Regulations 2006. this Directive shall be to protect human health from the adverse effects of any contamination In addition to the new Regulations for private of water intended for human consumption by water supplies and the Grant Scheme the ensuring that it is wholesome and clean”. This Scottish Executive prepared a detailed technical meant that the informal approach adopted in guidance manual for local authorities and an the 1992 Regulations which simply encouraged education and awareness campaign aimed at relevant persons to maintain and improve users of private water supplies. The overall supplies would no longer be sufficient. Member package of new Regulations, Grant Scheme, States were required to take formal action to technical guidance and the education and ensure that water quality standards met the awareness campaign formed part of a package stringent requirements of the revised Directive. of measures introduced by Scottish Ministers to assist local authorities and individuals to improve the quality of private water supplies in Scotland. DWQR recognises the benefit of such
38 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
an integrated package of measures in improving recommended in the E. coli O157 Task Force the quality of private water supplies in Report of 2001 and DWQR welcomes their Scotland and has supported such an approach. inclusion within the new Regulations.
The Private Water Supplies (Scotland) The long-term expectation is that all private Regulations 2006 – Summary of water supplies will eventually meet the quality Main Changes standards set by the Directive. However, until The new Regulations have a significant impact this can be achieved the new Regulations on larger supplies – defined in the Drinking enable local authorities to grant derogations Water Directive as those providing 10m3 or (temporary departures) from the prescribed more of water a day or serving 50 or more quality standards provided that “no derogation persons, and supplies to commercial or public constitutes a potential danger to human health activities irrespective of their size. These and provided that the supply of water intended supplies are required to meet the revised water for human consumption cannot otherwise be quality standards set by the Directive and are maintained by any other means”. Derogations are referred to as Type A supplies in the new strictly time limited: initially for a three-year Regulations. Smaller, “non-Directive” supplies period, but this can be extended to six years to are referred to as Type B supplies in the ensure private water supplies comply with the Regulations. Regulations. In exceptional circumstances a further derogation not exceeding three years The new Regulations also amend the Water can be issued, but this has to be sanctioned by (Scotland) Act 1980 to place a duty on Local the European Commission. There can be no Authorities to monitor larger Type A private derogation in respect of microbiological water supplies. In relation to smaller non- parameters since these pose an immediate risk Directive supplies, local authorities continue to to health. have discretionary powers very similar to the obligations placed on them in the old 1992 The new Regulations require local authorities to Regulations and under the 1980 Act. It should find out the cause of a supply failure and initiate be noted that the primary legislation pertaining remedial action. Risk assessments are an essential to water supplies in Scotland, including private element of effective drinking water quality water supplies, remains the 1980 Act. surveillance and control. local authorities are under a duty to complete a risk assessment for Small hotels, B&Bs, campsites and self-catering the Type A supplies and to provide information holiday accommodation will be required to and support to enable owners to complete a ensure their water supply meets the stringent risk assessment for the Type B supplies. The quality standards set by the Regulations. Public completed risk assessment will link these or commercial premises will also be required to Regulations with the Grant Scheme. display a prominent information notice alerting holiday makers and other consumers to the potential risk associated with water from a private water supply. These provisions were
39 4. Drinking Water Quality across Scotland
For certain groups of parameters listed in the new Regulations and will introduce a programme Directive (the “audit monitoring parameters”), of auditing Local Authorities’ implementation of where it can be demonstrated that they have not the new Regulations from 2007. been present or are unlikely to be present in a specific supply, then these parameters can be 4.8 Quality of Private Water Supplies in excluded from the list of parameters required to Scotland in 2005 be sampled an analysed. This powerful provision will have the effect of ensuring that only those The results of monitoring to the end of 2005 parameters of concern are looked for thereby show 3,255 or approximately 35% of the balancing the two potentially competing supplies tested failed to meet the requirements requirements of cost-effective regulation and the of the Private Water Supplies (Scotland) protection of public health. DWQR welcomes Regulations 1992. Under these Regulations local the incorporation of this provision into the authorities had powers to monitor and require new Regulations. improvements in the quality of private water supplies but much was left to the discretion of 4.7.3 Role of DWQR in Private Water Supplies local authorities to develop and tailor policies While DWQR has no direct responsibility for to their specific priorities and particular the enforcement of the Regulations relating to circumstances. This results in varying levels of private water supplies, DWQR has the general action in respect of private water supplies from function of supervising the enforcement of the one local authority area to another. Regulations by local authorities. DWQR will continue to report on local authority activities in relation to private water supplies under the
Table 4.8 Summary of Private Supply Returns from Local Authorities
Number of Number of Number of Number of Supplies Supplies Tested Supplies Improved Improvement Notices Category 1 19,303 8,754 0 0 Category 2 2,209 2,039 0 212
Many of the category one failures related to One local authority, South Lanarkshire, class F supplies (single dwellings), which local reported that they issued nine improvement authorities had no obligation to test under the notices with respect to private water supplies 1992 Regulations. However, test on class F under the Housing Act, These required supplies were carried out for many reasons. improvements to be made, but unlike Some local authorities had long-standing improvement programmes, they did not detail policies of checking all private supplies; others steps to be taken. had found that they receive a significant number of requests to carry out tests. These requests can arise directly from the householder or as a result of enquiries from solicitors involved in the sale or purchase of houses with private supplies.
40 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
41 42 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
43 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
44 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
5.1 Introduction This section looks at drinking water quality in may be sought from Scottish Water, although the five regions used by the Waterwatch for all intents and purposes this operates in the Scotland panels. These areas mirror Scottish same way as an Authorised Departure. Water’s current operational area structure, with the exception that the Western Isles, Orkney Where a water quality issues is more urgent, or Islands and Shetland are considered separately it is considered that the above approach has not from the rest of the North West area. delivered the required improvements, DWQR may take enforcement action against Scottish This section highlights a number of specific Water to ensure that it carries out a specified water quality issues, and it is worth action by a certain date. summarising DWQR’s approach to resolving these. Where one or more parameters are If large numbers of consumer complaints are failing a regulatory standard and likely to received from one particular area, the DWQR continue to fail, DWQR will request that will request that Scottish Water investigate the Scottish Water apply for an Authorised problem and take action to resolve it. DWQR Departure which must include a commitment to may carry out an independent investigation with make improvements to the supply concerned to the assistance of local authorities and health ensure that it meets the relevant standards. boards and take action if appropriate. Under certain circumstances, an Undertaking
Table 5.1 Regional Key Facts
Western Isles, South South North Orkney Islands North West East East and Shetland West Total Water Treatment Works 52 43 35 47 152 329 Service Reservoirs 245 171 361 46 308 1,131 Distribution Network (km) 15,841 9,296 11,780 3,033 6,992 46,942 Supply Zones 77 55 38 48 155 373 Population (000’s) 2,419 1,038 1,159 67 300 4,982
45 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
Map 5.2c
46 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
5.2 Drinking Water Quality in the South West
5.2.1 Drinking Water Quality at Treatment Works in the South West
Table 5.2a Summary of Samples Taken from Water Treatment Works in the South West
Number of Percentage of treatment works treatment works Number Percentage not meeting not meeting Number of exceeding exceeding regulatory regulatory Parameter determinations standard standard requirements requirements
Coliforms 11,966 20 0.17 11 20.37 Faecal coliforms (E. coli) 11,950 6 0.05 3 5.56 Nitrite 468 1 0.21 1 1.85 Turbidity 4,002 11 0.27 8 14.81
Four out of the 20 failures for coliforms and two out of the six for E. coli in the South West were associated with the Craigmaddie outlet of Milngavie WTW.
5.2.2 Drinking Water Quality in Distribution Systems in the South West Table 5.2b Summary of Samples Taken from Service Reservoirs in the South West
Number of Percentage of Number service reservoirs service reservoirs containing Percentage not meeting not meeting Number of coliforms/ exceeding regulatory regulatory Parameter determinations E. coli standard requirements* requirements
Coliforms 12,050 58 0.48 9 3.91 Faecal coliforms (E. coli) 12,029 9 0.07 8 3.48
* 95% samples shall not contain coliforms
In the South West, 58 samples taken from service reservoirs contained coliforms, resulting in nine service reservoirs failing to meet the regulatory requirement of 95% compliance, the largest number of any region.
47 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
Table 5.2c OPI(TIM) in the South West
South West Mean Regional TIM 99.12 1 DunsideWater Supply Zones with 1 Dunside 83.33 Poorest Performance in =2 Balmichael Arran, Camphill 91.67 Region (Worst First) 3Castlehill 93.06 4 Amlaird 97.14 =5 Corsehouse, Dougliehill, Loch Eck, Penwhapple 97.22
OPI(TIM) for the South West region was 99.12. Map 5c shows supply zones in the South West coloured according to OPI(TIM) score. Particularly low OPI(TIM) scores were found in the Castlehill and Camphill supply zones of North Ayrshire, where problems with manganese have caused a number of serious incidents in recent years. Throughout 2005 DWQR worked to obtain a commitment from Scottish Water to carry out improvement work at the treatment works supplying these zones. 5.2.3 Drinking Water Quality Incidents in the South West
In 2005 there were six water quality incidents in the South West region.
Table 5.2d Summary of Incidents in the South West
Boil Notice/ Alternative supplies Zone Affected Description issued Date Balmore A Backsiphonage following a burst 17/02/2005 main resulted in taste complaints Picketlaw Aluminium exceedence caused 09/06/2005 by treatment failure Afton Aluminium exceedence caused 30/06/2005 by treatment failure Milngavie M5 Drumchapel Disinfection failure resulting in 10/09/2005 microbiological exceedence in distribution Corsehouse Aluminium exceedence caused 15/09/2005 by treatment failure Muirlands School Turbidity failure Yes 04/10/2005
48 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
5.2.4 Consumer Complaints About Drinking Water Quality in the South West
Figure 5.2e Consumer Complaints about Drinking Water Quality in the South West
5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0
Complaint Rate per 1,000 Population Discoloured Milky Cloudy Chlorine Musty/Earthy Water Water Taste/Smell Taste/Smell
Discolouration complaints make up by far the largest proportion of consumer complaints about water quality in the South West. Areas supplied by Castlehill, Camphill and Bradan experience a large number of complaints, largely due to the inability of the treatment process at these water treatment works to remove manganese, which occurs naturally in the source water. Discolouration complaints in the Greenock area tend to be as a result of a large amount of cast iron mains which are in poor condition. Scottish Water is aware of these problems, and DWQR will continue to monitor its efforts to resolve them.
The South West has the lowest rate of chlorine taste and odour complaints of any region, although Balmore C Water Supply Zone recorded a large number of complaints about both chlorine and metallic tastes and odours in 2005.
Complaints about Milky or Cloudy Water made up a lesser, but still significant, proportion of the total. The parts of Glasgow and East Renfrewshire supplied by South Moorhouse Treatment Works appear to have a particularly high incidence of this problem when compared with any other supply zone in Scottish Water.
49 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
Map 5.3c
50 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
5.3 Drinking Water Quality in the North West 5.3.1 Drinking Water Quality at Treatment Works in the North West Table 5.3a Summary of Samples Taken from Water Treatment Works in the North West
Number of Percentage of treatment works treatment works Number Percentage not meeting not meeting Number of exceeding exceeding regulatory regulatory Parameter determinations standard standard requirements requirements
Coliforms 8,733 47 0.54 34 22.08 Faecal coliforms (E. coli) 8,730 38 0.44 27 17.53 Nitrite 915 3 0.33 3 1.95 Turbidity 1,164 44 3.78 14 9.09 Badentinan WTW was responsible for 26 of the 44 failures of the indicator standard for turbidity and Calder Hoy, serving the North coast, for five. The large number of microbiological exceedences in the North West can partly be explained by the many small works with only basic treatment. Scourie WTW is particularly notable for having five out of the 38 E. coli failures, although other sites also recorded more than one failure for this parameter during the year. 5.3.2 Drinking Water Quality in Distribution Systems in the North West Table 5.3b Summary of Samples Taken from Service Reservoirs in the North West
Number of Percentage of Number service reservoirs service reservoirs containing Percentage not meeting not meeting Number of coliforms/ exceeding regulatory regulatory Parameter determinations E. coli standard requirements* requirements
Coliforms 13,258 41 0.31 3 1.15 Faecal coliforms (E. coli) 13,258 17 0.13 13 4.98
* 95% samples shall not contain coliforms Despite 41 samples containing coliforms in samples taken in the North West, only three service reservoirs failed to meet the requirement of 95% compliance. However, 17 samples contained E. coli, the largest number of any region. Table 5.3c OPI(TIM) in the North West
North West Mean Regional TIM 99.86 Water Supply Zones with 1Achaphubuil 66.67 Poorest Performance in =2 Balnain, Cannich, Dalreichart, 83.33 Region (Worst First) Bliach, Inchlaggan, Sanna, Laid =3 Port Charlotte Islay, Kilchoan 91.67 4 Nam Bat 94.44 5 Fort William 97.22 Overall OPI(TIM) for the region appears excellent, however, this is due to the disproportionately large number of very small supply zones in the region, some of which achieved 100% compliance on the basis of very few samples. This disguises the fact that there are some supply zones in the region with a very low OPI(TIM) score. The map shows supply zones in the North West coloured according to OPI(TIM) score. 51 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
5.3.3 Drinking Water Quality Incidents in the North West
In 2005 there were 21 water quality incidents in the North West region.
Table 5.3d Summary of Incidents in the North West
Boil Notice/ Alternative supplies Zone Affected Description issued Date Craignure Mull Disinfection Failure 02/01/2005 Shiel Bridge Bacteriological Failure Yes 10/01/2005 Fort Augustus Contamination of distribution Yes 24/01/2005 system Torrin Skye Bacteriological Failure Yes 04/02/2005 Fort William Cross contamination of samples Yes 12/03/2005 during lab analysis Loy Bacteriological Failures 10/05/2005 Scourie Bacteriological Failure at WTW 16/05/2005 Arnisdale Bacteriological Failure at Yes 13/06/2005 Consumer Tap Kinlochleven Bacteriological Failure at WTW 20/06/2005 following disinfection failure Waternish Skye Disinfection Failure Yes 04/07/2005 Trislaig Cryptosporidium Yes21/07/2005 Gairloch Bacteriological Failure 25/08/2005 Sanna Disinfection failure resulting in 26/08/2005 microbiological exceedences in distribution Kishorn Bacteriological Failure 06/09/2005 Salen Disinfection failure resulting in 14/09/2005 microbiological exceedence at the works Kilmelford Disinfection Failure 10/10/2005 Dores Bacteriological Failure 02/11/2005 Torra Islay Disinfection Failure 11/11/2005 Invergarry Bacteriological Failure 25/11/2005
52 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Table 5.3d Summary of Incidents in the North West (continued)
Boil Notice/ Alternative supplies Zone Affected Description issued Date Sanna Disinfection failure resulting in 20/10/2005 microbiological exceedences in distribution Glenconvinth Inadvertent discharge of 29/11/2005 aluminium sulphate into supply
5.3.4 Consumer Complaints About Drinking Water Quality in the North West Figure 5.3e Consumer Complaints about Drinking Water Quality in the North West
5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Complaint Rate per 1,000 Population Discoloured Milky Cloudy Chlorine Musty/Earthy Water Water Taste/Smell Taste/Smell Some of the supply zones in the North West reported exceptionally high rates of complaints about discoloured water, notably Laide, Savalbeg and Roybridge. Many of these sites have minimal treatment which does not remove natural colour and iron present in the source water. Work is currently underway to ensure the treatment works at Laide complies with the standard for both colour and iron, and the zone has been granted an Authorised Departure for both parameters until 2007. Roybridge treatment works has now been decommissioned and the area is fed from a new groundwater source.
Compared to other regions, with the exception of the Islands, the North West experiences a relatively large number of complaints about chlorine tastes and odours. This is probably, in part, due to the large number of very small treatment works with simple treatment processes which have difficulty in ensuring that chlorine doses keep pace with rapidly varying source water quality. The DWQR expects Scottish Water to work to improve control of chlorine dosing at such sites, and funding has been made available within the 2006–2010 investment period to undertake such work.
Mellon Udrigle and Sadell recorded an especially large number of chlorine complaints in 2005 (9 and 4 respectively) considering the small population of these zones, although some of these could be repeat complaints from the same consumer. DWQR will investigate the source of these complaints.
53 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
Map 5.4c
54 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
5.4 Drinking Water Quality in the North East 5.4.1 Drinking Water Quality at Treatment Works in the North East
Table 5.4a Summary of Samples Taken from Water Treatment Works in the North East
Number of Percentage of treatment works treatment works Number Percentage not meeting not meeting Number of exceeding exceeding regulatory regulatory Parameter determinations standard standard requirements requirements
Coliforms 5,386 21 0.39 8 22.22 Faecal Coliforms (E. coli) 5,372 2 0.04 2 5.56 Nitrite 727 2 0.28 2 5.56 Turbidity 1,838 14 0.76 8 22.22
Out of the 21 coliform failures in the North East through 2005, Invercannie WTW serving Aberdeen was responsible for six of them. Glenfarg WTW recorded four of the turbidity failures.
5.4.2 Drinking Water Quality in Distribution Systems in the North East Table 5.4b Summary of Samples Taken from Service Reservoirs in the North East
Number of Percentage of Number service reservoirs service reservoirs containing Percentage not meeting not meeting Number of coliforms/ exceeding regulatory regulatory Parameter determinations E. coli standard requirements* requirements
Coliforms 18,423 68 0.37 2 0.56 Faecal Coliforms (E. coli) 18,328 3 0.02 3 0.84
*95% samples shall not contain coliforms
Sixty eight samples contained coliforms, which was the greatest number of any region, although only two service reservoirs did not comply with the regulatory requirement of 95% of samples containing no coliforms.
55 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
Table 5.4c OPI(TIM) in the North East
North East MeanMean Regional Regional TIM TIM 99.66 Water Supply Zones with 1Herricks 91.67 Poorest Performance in 2 Clatto West 97.81 Region (Worst First) 3 Lintrathen 98.25 4 Mannofield West 99.36 =5 All Others 100
Only four supply zones in the region fail to achieve a 100% OPI(TIM) score, resulting in a very high overall score for the region of 99.66%. Map 5.4c Shows supply zones in the North East coloured according to OPI(TIM)
5.4.3 Drinking Water Quality Incidents in the North East In 2005 there were nine water quality incidents in the North East region. Table 5.4d Summary of Incidents in the North East
Boil Notice/ Alternative supplies Zone Affected Description issued Date Invercannie Bacteriological Failure 09/03/2005 Newburgh Aluminium exceedence caused by 11/06/2005 treatment failure Tomnavoulin Membrane integrity failure Yes 26/07/2005 leading to detection of Cryptosporidium and boil notice Turriff Bacteriological Failure Yes 19/08/2005 Lomond Hills Bacteriological Failure Yes 08/09/2005 Turret B Taste and Odour Complaints 21/09/2005 Following Planned work in Distribution System Rhynie Disinfection failure 15/11/2005 Blairnamarrow Detection of Cryptosporidium Yes 02/12/2005 resulting in boil notice
56 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
5.4.4 Consumer Complaints About Drinking Water Quality in the North East
Figure 5.4e Consumer Complaints about Drinking Water Quality in the North East
5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Complaint Rate per 1,000 Population Discoloured Milky Cloudy Chlorine Musty/Earthy Water Water Taste/Smell Taste/Smell
In 2005 the North East experienced a slightly lower rate of complaints than the other regions. In common with all other areas, discoloured water represented the single largest category, with a rate of nearly 2.5 per 1,000 population.
Several supply zones in the North East had relatively high complaint rates for chlorine related tastes and odours. The three highest zones were Turret B, Whitehillocks and Glendevon A, with more than one complaint about chlorinous tastes for every thousand people during 2005 in Turret B and Whitehillocks.
57 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
Map 5.5c
58 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
5.5 Drinking Water Quality in the South East 5.5.1 Drinking Water Quality at Treatment Works in the South East
Table 5.5a Summary of Samples Taken from Water Treatment Works in the South East
Number of Percentage of treatment works treatment works Number Percentage not meeting not meeting Number of exceeding exceeding regulatory regulatory Parameter determinations standard standard requirements requirements
Coliforms 1,660 25 1.51 7 16.28 Faecal Coliforms (E. coli) 1,117 2 0.18 1 2.33 Nitrite 5,379 2 0.04 2 4.65 Turbidity 5,382 23 0.43 8 18.60
Table 5.5a shows a summary of regulatory samples taken at water treatment works in the South East. Of the 25 samples which contained coliforms, 11 of these were taken from Alnwickhill WTW in Edinburgh. Both E. coli failures occurred at Fairmilehead WTW.
Marchbank WTW accounted for 11 of the failures of the indicator standard for turbidity, whilst Dodburn WTW near Hawick in the Borders recorded seven failures. This site is vulnerable to changes in raw water quality due to weather conditions.
5.5.2 Drinking Water Quality in Distribution Systems in the South East Table 5.5b Summary of Samples Taken from Service Reservoirs in the South East
Number of Percentage of Number service reservoirs service reservoirs containing Percentage not meeting not meeting Number of coliforms/ exceeding regulatory regulatory Parameter determinations E. coli standard requirements* requirements
Coliforms 8,559 28 0.33 0 0.00 Faecal Coliforms (E. coli) 8,545 4 0.05 4 2.38
*95% samples shall not contain coliforms All service reservoirs in the South East region complied with the regulatory requirement of 95% compliance for coliforms. E. coli was detected in samples from four sites.
59 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
Table 5.5c OPI(TIM) in the South East
South East MeanMean Regional Regional TIM TIM 97.30 Water Supply Zones with 1Penwhirn Barclye 66.67 Poorest Performance in 2Yarrowford 66.67 Region (Worst First) 3Penwhirn Palnure 75.00 4Penwhirn 79.71 =5 Acreknowe, Barclye & Winterhope 91.67
The South East region had the lowest OPI(TIM) score of any region in Scotland during 2005. This was mainly due to zones in the Newton Stewart area of Dumfries and Galloway where the poor condition of cast iron mains combines with large amounts of iron and manganese not being removed by the treatment works. Map 5.5c shows supply zones in the South East coloured according to OPI(TIM) score.
5.5.4 Consumer Complaints About Drinking Water Quality in the South East In 2005 there were 2 water quality incidents in the South East region. Table 5.5d Summary of Incidents in the South East
Boil Notice/ Alternative supplies Zone Affected Description issued Date Black Esk Turbidity and Colour Exceedence 28/03/2005 caused by treatment failure Rawburn Colour and turbidity exceedence 22/06/2005 caused by treatment failure; possible associated microbiological exceedences in distribution
60 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Figure 5.5e Consumer Complaints about Drinking Water Quality in the South East
5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Complaint Rate per 1,000 Population Discoloured Milky Cloudy Chlorine Musty/Earthy Water Water Taste/Smell Taste/Smell
In the South East region in 2005, the water supply zones in the Newton Stewart area of Dumfries and Galloway reported the highest rate of complaints about discolouration. This is partly due to the condition of the distribution system, with cast iron mains and iron sediment causing discolouration, but also to iron passing through the water treatment works due to a lack of appropriate treatment. Authorised Departures have been granted in Barclye and Penwhirn Barclye supply zones. Scottish Water is undertaking work to ensure compliance with the standards for iron, THMs and colour by September 2007.
The Newton Stewart area, supplied by Penwhirn and Barclye water treatment works also appears to be a particular “hotspot” for chlorine taste and odour complaints. Some of the Edinburgh supply zones supplied by Fairmilehead and Marchbank water treatment works also recorded a large number of taste and odour complaints. This is surprising, given that these supplies are disinfected by chloramination; a process which would normally be expected to produce reduced numbers of complaints about chlorinous tastes and odours.
Hopes supply zone in East Lothian recorded an unusually large number of complaints about metallic tastes and odours.
61 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
5.6 Drinking Water Quality in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland 5.6.1 Drinking Water Quality at Treatment Works in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland
Table 5.6a Summary of Samples Taken from Water Treatment Works in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland
Number of Percentage of treatment works treatment works Number Percentage not meeting not meeting Number of exceeding exceeding regulatory regulatory Parameter determinations standard standard requirements requirements
Coliforms 2,181 19 0.87 15 29.41 Faecal Coliforms (E. coli) 2,181 3 0.14 3 5.88 Nitrite 207 1 0.48 1 1.96 Turbidity 306 18 5.88 11 21.57 Mid Yell WTW on Shetland reported three of the 19 coliform failures. Percentage compliance with the turbidity indicator standard across the islands was by far the poorest of any region in 2005.
5.6.2 Drinking Water Quality in Distribution Systems in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland Table 5.6b Summary of Samples Taken from Service Reservoirs in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland
Number of Percentage of Number service reservoirs service reservoirs containing Percentage not meeting not meeting Number of coliforms/ exceeding regulatory regulatory Parameter determinations E. coli standard requirements* requirements
Coliforms 4,248 29 0.68 4 4.71 Faecal Coliforms (E. coli) 4,248 2 0.05 2 2.35
*95% samples shall not contain coliforms Coliforms were found in 29 samples and four sites did not meet the overall standard of 95% compliance.
62 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Map 5.6c
Eilean Siar (Western Isles)
63 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
Orkney Islands
64 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Shetland Islands
65 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
Table 5.6c OPI(TIM) in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland
Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland MeanMean Regional Regional TIM TIM 97.3096.77 Water Supply Zones with 1Meavaig Western Isles 50.00 Poorest Performance in 2 Govig Western Isles, 66.67 Region (Worst First) Rhenigidale Western Isles 3 Eriskay Western Isles 83.33 4Barra Western Isles 88.89 5 Orasay Western Isles 91.67
The region had the lowest overall OPI(TIM) of any region. Several zones in the Western Isles had particularly low scores. Some of the problems with the removal of iron at treatment works on Harris have now been addressed through the Authorised Departure process. 5.6.3 Drinking Water Quality Incidents in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland In 2005 there were five Water Quality Incidents in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland.
Table 5.6d Summary of Incidents in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland
Boil Notice/ Alternative supplies Zone Affected Description issued Date South Uist Western Isles Turbidity failure 09/06/2005 Barra Western Isles Aluminium exceedence caused 25/06/2005 by treatment failure Maaruig Western Isles Bacteriological failure Yes 17/08/2005 Berneray Western Isles Bacteriological failure Yes 04/09/2005 Foula Shetland Cryptosporidium Yes 15/11/2005
66 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
5.6.4 Consumer Complaints About Drinking Water Quality in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland
Figure 5.6e Consumer Complaints about Drinking Water Quality in the Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland
5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Complaint Rate per 1,000 Population Discoloured Milky Cloudy Chlorine Musty/Earthy Water Water Taste/Smell Taste/Smell
As with other areas, discolouration forms the largest single complaint category in this region. The region recorded a relatively large number of complaints about chlorine tastes and odours compared to the size of the population. Many of the small sites on the islands have minimal treatment which does not remove natural colour and iron present in the source water. Ness on the Western Isles and Lerwick and Bigton supply zones on Shetland experience notably large numbers of complaints about discolouration.
The region reported a relatively large number of complaints about tastes and odours. As with the North West region, this is probably partly due to the large number of very small treatment works with simple treatment processes which have difficulty in ensuring that the chlorine dose keeps pace with rapidly varying source water quality.
A significant number of supply zones in the Western Isles have relatively high complaint rates for chlorine. This is all the more notable given that some of these supplies are chloraminated; a process which would normally be expected to produce reduced numbers of complaints about chlorinous tastes and odours.
Tolsta on the Western Isles and Boardhouse and Kirbister on the Orkney Islands showed a relatively high rate of complaints of metallic tastes. The latter two supply zones also recorded an exceptionally large number of complaints about earthy/musty type tastes in 2005. It is likely that the numbers in both categories reflect the incident in late summer 2005 when an algal bloom resulted in taste-causing compounds passing through the treatment process and reaching consumers’ taps.
67 5. Drinking Water Quality by Region
68 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
6. Local Authority Pages
69
Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
6. Local Authority Pages
Introduction These pages provide details of drinking water Details of selected water quality incidents are quality data by local authority area. Each area included under the appropriate local authority page is divided into public and private supplies. area. Tables summarising all water quality In the public section a summary of water quality incidents may be found in Section 5 under the compliance data is included for water supply appropriate region. zones which cover the local authority area. It is important to note that some supply zones cover DWQR is grateful to local authority more than one authority area, and where this environmental health departments for supplying occurs, the results for the whole zone will be comments on public water supplies and data on included on more than one authority page. private water supplies in their areas. A map showing local authority areas appears opposite.
71 6. Local Authority Pages
ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL
Region: North East Aberdeenshire
Supply zones in Aberdeen City Dyce Craigie Aberdeen City Glendye Aberdeen Invercannie Peterculter Mannofield East Mannofield North Mannofield South Mannofield West
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 9,618 tests on tap samples taken in the six water supply zones within Aberdeen City boundary. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 745 15 2.01 7 97.87 Faecal coliforms 743 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 275 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 276 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 276 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 276 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 276 1 0.36 1 99.73 Manganese 276 0 0 0 100.00 Lead 56 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 56 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 6,363 25 0.39 6 All Parameters 9,618 41 0.43 99.77
There were no manganese failures within the city in 2005. This is in contrast with 2004, when there were 16 failures. Scottish Water has carried out work at Mannofield WTW to install manganese removal, and this would appear to have had a beneficial effect.
The number of samples containing coliforms was 15 in 2005.
72 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments Aberdeen City Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005. They feel that their organisation has a good relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves and the public during 2005 was generally accurate. They comment that they have received fewer complaints from consumers about water quality in 2005 than in 2004.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 107 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
107 212,125 322 0.15 0 106 1 0 1
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
05400
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
73 6. Local Authority Pages
ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL Region: North East
Supply zones in Aberdeenshire Peterhead Aboyne, Ballater, Braemar, Craighead, Craigie Moray Crathie, Forehill, Gallowhill Banff, Glendye Inverurie Herricks, Invercannie, Lintrathen, Lumsden Aberdeenshire Mannofield East, Mannofield North, Mannofield Aberdeen City Ballater South Mannofield West, Rhynie, Turriff, Whitehillocks
Angus
Perth & Kinross
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 17,975 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Aberdeenshire. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 1,362 16 1.17 8 99.20 Faecal coliforms 1,359 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 495 1 0.2 1 99.93 Turbidity 498 2 0.4 2 99.52 Hydrogen ion (pH) 498 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 498 5 1 2 98.97 Iron 498 5 1 3 99.29 Manganese 498 1 0.2 1 99.58 Lead 129 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 129 1 0.77 1 98.75 Other Parameters 12,011 30 0.25 10 All Parameters 17,975 61 0.34 99.78
In common with Aberdeen City, an improvement in manganese compliance was seen as the number of manganese failures fell from eight to one. Coliforms were found in 16 samples taken from supply zones covering Aberdeenshire.
74 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location Rhynie WTW Region North East Local Authority Area Aberdeenshire Date November 2005 Disinfection failure
The freezing of a sodium hypochlorite dosing system during cold weather resulted in a failure of the disinfection process. Although this triggered an alarm at the treatment works and via the telemetry system, human error meant that this was not passed on to the works operator, delaying remedial action. Samples taken soon after the incident was discovered showed the water to be bacteriologically satisfactory.
Scottish Water agreed to improve the systems in place for passing on alarms and to improve the chlorine dosing system at the works to make it more robust.
The DWQR acknowledges the proposed work to improve the system for passing on telemetry alarms and will be monitoring this. It was noted that no samples appear to have been taken to confirm chlorine residuals had been restored following the incident.
Local Authority Comments Aberdeenshire Council Environmental Health Department did not provide any comments on the quality of the public water supply in their area during 2005.
Quality of Private Water Supplies Aberdeenshire council area contains by far the largest proportion of private water supplies in Scotland. The council was unable to provide data on private supplies for 2005. In 2004, there were 8,387 private water supplies in the area. The data for 2004 are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
8,387 226,871 35,048 15.45 0 8187 196 4 200
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. No data from samples taken in 2005 was provided by the council. The data shown is 2004.
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
5,575 1,204 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
75 6. Local Authority Pages
ANGUS COUNCIL
Region: North East Aberdeenshire
Supply zones in Angus Council Clatto East Angus Lintrathen Brechin Forfar
Whitehillocks Perth & Kinross Arbroath
Clatto West Dundee City
Fife
re
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 7,550 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Angus. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 719 8 1.11 2 99.10 Faecal coliforms 718 1 0.14 1 99.88 Colour 250 1 0.4 1 99.67 Turbidity 252 2 0.79 2 99.34 Hydrogen ion (pH) 252 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 252 3 1.19 1 99.01 Iron 252 5 1.98 2 98.36 Manganese 252 2 0.79 1 99.34 Lead 32 1 3.12 1 96.88 Trihalomethanes 32 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 4539 2 0.04 2 All Parameters 7550 25 0.33 99.80
The data suggest that water quality in Angus has not changed significantly since 2004.
76 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments Angus Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005, with their own sampling showing only a few sporadic bacteriological failures. They feel that their organisation has a satisfactory relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves during 2005 was generally accurate, although they would like Scottish Water to more clearly define the area likely to be affected when reporting water quality failures.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 399 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
399 108,400 2,028 1.87 0 350 13 36 49
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
161 56 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
77
Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 2,169 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
2,169 91,306 29,863 32.71 0 1,801 217 151 368
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
320 449 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
79 6. Local Authority Pages
CLACKMANNANSHIRE COUNCIL Region: South West Perth & Kinross
Supply zones in Clackmannanshire Stirling Turret A Dollar Clackmannanshire
Glendevon A Alloa
Fife
Falkirk
West Lothian
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 4,415 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Clackmannanshire. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 460 1 0.22 1 99.79 Faecal coliforms 460 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 151 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 151 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 151 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 151 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 151 0 0 0 100.00 Manganese 151 0 0 0 100.00 Lead 16 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 16 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 2,557 0 0 0 All Parameters 4,415 1 0.02 100.00
Clackmannanshire reported the best public water quality of any local authority area in 2005, with an overall mean zonal compliance of nearly 100%. Only one sample for coliforms did not meet the required standard.
Local Authority Comments Clackmannanshire Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005. They feel that their organisation has a satisfactory relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves and the public during 2005 was accurate.
80 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 28 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
28 48,077 489 1.02 0 23 4 1 5
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
0000
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
81 6. Local Authority Pages
DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COUNCIL y South Lanarkshire Region: South East Scottish Borders East Ayrshire
Supply zones in Dumfries and Galloway South Ayrshire Afton, Auchneel, Barclye, Black Esk, Black Esk Dumfries & Galloway Winterhope, Cargen, Carsphairn, Glengap, Dumfries
Kettleton, Killyour, Langholm, Larchfield, Stranraer Lochenkit, Lochinver, Moffat, Palnure,
Penwhirn, Penwhirn Barclye, Penwhirn Palnure, England Ringford, Terregles, Winterhope
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 10,919 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Dumfries and Galloway. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 707 11 1.55 8 98.27 Faecal coliforms 707 1 0.14 1 99.64 Colour 299 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 299 1 0.33 1 99.81 Hydrogen ion (pH) 299 1 0.33 1 99.81 Aluminium 299 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 299 19 6.35 5 90.85 Manganese 299 4 1.34 3 96.55 Lead 116 2 1.72 2 98.37 Trihalomethanes 114 13 11.4 6 89.13 Other Parameters 7,481 1 0.01 1 All Parameters 10,919 53 0.49 99.37
Sample compliance in the area deteriorated slightly for many parameters compared with 2004. The number of samples containing coliforms increased from seven in 2004 to 11 in 2005. The failures for iron increased from 15 to 19 and for trihalomethanes (THMs) from nine to 13. Many of the failures for the last two parameters originate from the Newton Stewart area, served by Penwhirn and Barclye WTWs.
82 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location Afton WTW Region South West Local Authority Area East Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway Date June 2005 Aluminium exceedence caused by treatment failure A blockage in a chemical dosing system resulted in a loss of coagulation control and water leaving the works in excess of the PCV for aluminium.
Location Black Esk WTW Region South East Local Authority Area Dumfries & Galloway Date March 2005 Turbidity and Colour Exceedence caused by treatment failure
A disruption to the coagulation process resulted in poor water quality and standards at the treatment works for turbidity and colour being breached. A telemetry fault meant that operational staff were not notified of the problem and discovered it during a routine visit the following day. Water quality was restored and a number of remedial measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence.
Local Authority Comments Dumfries and Galloway Council Environmental Health Department did not provide any comments on the quality of the public water supply in 2005.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 1,543 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
1,543 147,765 15,754 10.66 0 1321 170 52 222
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
333 156 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
83 6. Local Authority Pages
DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL Region: North East
Angus Supply zones in Dundee City Clatto East Clatto West Dundee City Dundee Perth & Kinross
Fife
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 4,513 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Dundee City boundary. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 444 8 1.8 2 98.20 Faecal coliforms 444 1 0.22 1 99.77 Colour 152 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 152 1 0.66 0 99.34 Hydrogen ion (pH) 152 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 152 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 152 2 1.31 1 98.68 Manganese 152 2 1.31 1 98.68 Lead 16 1 6.25 1 93.75 Trihalomethanes 16 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 2,681 1 0.04 1 All Parameters 4,513 16 0.35 99.73
There number of coliform failures within the city increased in 2005 from three in 2004. Compliance for the other key parameters was otherwise fairly consistent with the previous year’s data.
Local Authority Comments Dundee City Council Environmental Health Department did not provide any comments on the quality of the public water supply in 2005.
84 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Quality of Private Water Supplies There is 1 private water supply in the area. This is broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
1 145,663 19 0.01 0 1 0 0 0
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
0000
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
85 6. Local Authority Pages
EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
Glasgow City Region: South West East Renfrewshire North Ayrshire Supply zones in East Ayrshire City South Lanarkshire Afton Amlaird Kilmarnock
Bradan A Bradan B East Ayrshire
Corsehouse Daer A Cumnock Glassford Neilston
South Ayrshire Dumfries & Galloway
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 10,467 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within East Ayrshire boundary. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 932 6 0.64 4 99.48 Faecal coliforms 930 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 343 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 343 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 343 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 343 5 1.46 3 98.29 Iron 343 7 2.04 4 97.58 Manganese 343 4 1.17 4 98.79 Lead 62 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 62 2 3.22 2 96.65 Other Parameters 6,423 3 0.05 3 All Parameters 10,467 27 0.26 99.69
Manganese compliance improved significantly, with 4 failures reported against 13 in 2004.
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location AftonWTW Region South West Local Authority Area East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway Date June 2005 Aluminium exceedence caused by treatment failure A blockage in a chemical dosing system resulted in a loss of coagulation control and water leaving the works in excess of the PCV for aluminium.
86 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Location Corsehouse WTW Region South West Local Authority Area East Ayrshire Date September 2005 Aluminium exceedence caused by treatment failure
Loss of treatment process control resulted in high aluminium concentrations in distribution and resulting exceedences of the regulatory standard. There were no reported exceedences of the aluminium standard in distribution, although there was clearly the potential for this to have occurred. Scottish Water has addressed site specific issues.
Local Authority Comments East Ayrshire Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005. They feel that their organisation has a good relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves and the public during 2005 was accurate, although some of the responses consumers receive through Scottish Water’s contact centre could be improved by greater local knowledge. The council welcomed improvements to the water supply in the Irvine Valley.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 158 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
158 120,235 850 0.71 0 130 14 14 28
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
02000
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
87 6. Local Authority Pages
EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Region: South West Stirling Supply zones in East Dunbartonshire West Dunbartonshire Balmore A, Balmore C5 North, Balmore C5 Lennoxtown East Dunbartonshire South, Balmore D, Balmore G, Burncrooks, Bearsden Carron Valley B, Gartcarron, Milngavie C1, Bishopbriggs Glasgow City Milngavie C4, Milngavie M1, Milngavie M4a, Renfrewshire Milngavie M4c, Milngavie M5 Drumchapel North Lanarkshire
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 17,775 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within East Dunbartonshire. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 1,568 16 1.02 8 99.16 Faecal coliforms 1,567 1 0.06 1 99.94 Colour 568 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 568 1 0.18 1 99.80 Hydrogen ion (pH) 568 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 570 2 0.35 1 99.60 Iron 570 1 0.17 1 99.80 Manganese 570 2 0.35 2 99.69 Lead 111 1 0.9 1 99.11 Trihalomethanes 108 11 10.19 7 89.67 Other Parameters 11,007 1 0.01 1 All Parameters 17,775 36 0.20 99.69
The number of samples containing coliforms was 16 in 2005. Compliance for trihalomethanes was also quite poor. It is hoped that the new water treatment works under construction at Milngavie will greatly improve water quality in the area once it is commissioned.
88 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments East Dunbartonshire Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005. They feel that their organisation has a satisfactory relationship with Scottish Water, although they would welcome opportunities to improve feedback between the organisations. The council welcomed improvements made by Scottish Water to distribution network in the area.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 21 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
21 108,243 98 0.09 0 19 2 0 2
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
01400
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
89 6. Local Authority Pages
EAST LOTHIAN COUNCIL
Region: South East Fife
North Berwick Supply zones in East Lothian Alnwickhill B Castle Moffat Haddington Musselburgh Chalkieside Fairmilehead A Edinburgh, City of Hopes Rosebery East Lothian Rosebery Hopes Midlothian
Scottish Borders
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 8,751 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within East Lothian. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 733 7 0.95 4 99.24 Faecal coliforms 733 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 269 13 4.83 1 96.36 Turbidity 269 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 269 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 268 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 269 2 0.74 2 99.41 Manganese 269 1 0.37 1 99.60 Lead 51 1 1.96 1 98.21 Trihalomethanes 52 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 5,569 3 0.05 2 All Parameters 8,751 27 0.31 99.83
The number of samples containing coliforms was seven in 2005, although none of these samples contained E. coli. There were 13 failures of the PCV for colour in 2005. These failures were wholly within the supply zone supplied by the Alnwickhill treatment works which serves parts of Musselburgh. In 2005, Scottish Water gave an Undertaking to Scottish Ministers to improve treatment at the works so that colour was removed. This work was completed progressively through the latter part of 2005, and an improvement should be evident in 2006.
90 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments East Lothian Council Environmental Health Department report that they were satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005. They feel that their organisation has a good relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves and the public during 2005 was usually accurate.
East Lothian Council took approximately 80 water quality samples from the area in 2005, both for routine monitoring and in response to consumer complaints. The majority of samples met the required standard, with the exception of occasional failures for coliforms and one for iron.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 40 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
40 90,088 670 0.74 0 33 4 3 7
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
0600
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
91 6. Local Authority Pages
EAST RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL Region: South West West Dunbartonshire East Dunbartonshire Supply zones in East Renfrewshire Glasgow City Corsehouse Daer B Renfrewshire
Glassford Milngavie C1 Barrhead Milngavie M2 Milngavie South Moorehouse Newton Mearns East Renfrewshire South Lanarkshire Neilston Picketlaw South Moorehouse Picketlaw South Moorehouse
East Ayrshire
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 9,857 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones which supply East Renfrewshire. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 773 7 0.9 3 99.51 Faecal coliforms 773 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 296 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 296 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 296 1 0.34 1 99.86 Aluminium 296 2 0.68 2 98.33 Iron 296 4 1.35 3 98.74 Manganese 295 2 0.68 2 99.44 Lead 79 1 1.26 1 98.75 Trihalomethanes 79 9 11.39 5 88.21 Other Parameters 6,378 3 0.05 3 All Parameters 9,857 29 0.29 99.54
There were nine exceedences of the standard for trihalomethanes and seven for coliforms in the zones covering East Renfrewshire. These were largely in the supply zones served by Milngavie WTW, and compliance will improve once the new water treatment works under construction at Milngavie is commissioned.
92 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments East Renfrewshire Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005. They feel that their organisation has a good relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves and the public during 2005 was usually accurate.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 178 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
178 89,311 463 0.52 0 167 8 3 11
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
164 2 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
93 6. Local Authority Pages
CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
Region: South East Fife
Supply zones in Edinburgh
Alnwickhill A Alnwickhill B Edinburgh
Ratho Balmore E Balmore F Edinburgh, City of Chalkieside Fairmilehead A West Lothian
Fairmilehead B Hillend Midlothian Marchbank A Marchbank B
Scottish Borders
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 17,198 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within the City of Edinburgh. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 1567 10 0.64 6 99.34 Faecal coliforms 1569 1 0.06 1 99.93 Colour 533 30 5.63 3 95.16 Turbidity 533 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 533 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 534 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 534 3 0.56 3 99.45 Manganese 534 1 0.19 1 99.72 Lead 80 2 2.5 1 97.50 Trihalomethanes 81 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 10,700 18 0.17 All Parameters 17,198 65 0.38 99.71
There were 30 failures of the PCV for colour in 2005. These failures were mainly within the supply zone supplied by the Alnwickhill treatment works which serves parts of Musselburgh. In 2005, Scottish Water gave an Undertaking to Scottish Ministers to improve treatment at the works so that colour was removed. This work was completed progressively through the latter part of 2005, and an improvement should be evident in 2006.
Nine of the failures for other parameters were exceedences of the nitrite standard in Marchbank A supply zone.
94 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Incidents or Events There were no drinking water quality incidents or events reported within the Edinburgh area during 2005.
Local Authority Comments City of Edinburgh Council did not comment on drinking water quality in 2005.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 13 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
13 448,624 128 0.03 0 12 1 0 1
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
0000
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
95
Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location Barra WTW Region Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland Local Authority Area Eilean Siar Date June 2005 Aluminium exceedence caused by treatment failure
Operator error resulted in high aluminium concentrations in distribution and corresponding exceedences of the regulatory standard. Telemetry alarms were correctly received by the control centre, however these were not passed on to local staff, resulting in a delay in response to this treatment failure. Scottish Water has agreed to make a number of procedural improvements in response to this incident.
Local Authority Comments Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005, although there were ongoing issues with taste and odour complaints. They feel that their organisation has a good relationship with Scottish Water at a local level, although communications with central staff on the mainland regarding PCV failures could be improved. Many of the supplies in Na h-Eileanan Siar are disinfected by chloramination, and it is felt that the information provided by Scottish Water on this process could be better.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 38 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
38 26,502 195 0.74 0 35 2 1 3
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
0300
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
97 6. Local Authority Pages
FALKIRK COUNCIL Region: South West
Clackmannanshire Supply zones in Falkirk Stirling Glendevon A Balmore E Fife Balmore F Pateshill Falkirk Balmore A Balmore G Falkirk Carron Valley A Carron Valley B
Turret A Turret/Balmore/ West Lothian Carron Valley North Lanarkshire
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 15,172 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Falkirk. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 1,396 7 0.5 6 99.33 Faecal coliforms 1,397 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 493 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 493 1 0.2 1 99.72 Hydrogen ion (pH) 493 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 495 3 0.61 2 99.31 Iron 495 1 0.2 1 99.71 Manganese 495 3 0.61 2 99.15 Lead 81 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 80 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 9,254 0 0 0 All Parameters 15,172 15 0.10 99.94
The manganese failures all occurred within the Pateshill water supply zone. The aluminium failures were in zones supplied by Carron Valley WTW.
98 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments Falkirk Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005, although there were a few problems in specific areas. They feel that their organisation has a good relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves and the public during 2005 was usually accurate. They comment that Scottish Water could be more proactive in understanding consumer concerns and investigating their cause.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are eight private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
8 145,191 27 0.02 0 8 0 0 0
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
0200
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
99 6. Local Authority Pages
FIFE COUNCIL Region: North East
St Andrews Supply zones in Fife Glendevon A Glendevon B Perth & Kinross Fife Glendevon/Glenfarg Glenfarg Lomond Hills Newburgh Turret A Kirkcaldy
Dunfermline
Falkirk East Lothian Edinburgh, City of
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 11,616 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Fife. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 1,129 6 0.53 4 99.56 Faecal coliforms 1,129 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 387 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 387 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 387 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 387 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 387 0 0 0 100.00 Manganese 387 0 0 0 100.00 Lead 52 1 1.92 1 98.21 Trihalomethanes 52 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 6,932 0 0 0 All Parameters 11,616 7 0.06 99.51
The data suggests that water quality compliance in Fife is largely unchanged from 2004.
100 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location Newburgh WTW Region North East Local Authority Area Fife Date June 2005 Aluminium exceedence caused by treatment failure
Disinfection failure for ten hour period. Alarms were not passed to operational staff via telemetry. No sample failed as a result of the incident.
Local Authority Comments Fife Council did not comment on drinking water quality in 2005.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 324 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
324 349,429 2,842 0.81 0 293 19 12 31
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
12 111 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
101 6. Local Authority Pages
GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL Region: South West
Supply zones in Glasgow City East Dunbartonshire
Balmore A, Balmore B, Balmore C5 North, North Lanarkshire Glasgow City Balmore C5 South, Balmore D, Burncrooks, Renfrewshire Glasgow Daer B, Daer Glassford, Milngavie C1,
Milngavie C2, Milngavie C3, Milngavie C4, East Renfrewshire Milngavie M1, Milngavie M2, Milngavie M3, South Lanarkshire Milngavie M4a, Milngavie M4c, Milngavie M5, Drumchapel, Milngavie M5 Renfrew, Muirdykes, Picketlaw, South Moorehouse
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 29,519 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Glasgow City boundary. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 2,710 24 0.88 12 99.23 Faecal coliforms 2,709 2 0.07 2 99.94 Colour 957 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 956 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 957 2 0.21 2 99.80 Aluminium 958 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 958 5 0.52 4 99.59 Manganese 957 3 0.31 3 99.77 Lead 167 2 1.2 2 98.78 Trihalomethanes 165 18 10.91 12 89.12 Other Parameters 18,025 4 0.02 3 All Parameters 29,519 60 0.20 99.66
There were 18 exceedences of the standard for trihalomethanes in the zones covering Glasgow. Compliance will improve once the new water treatment works under construction at Milngavie is commissioned.
The exceedences of the lead standard took place in Milngavie C1 and Balmore B supply zones.
102 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location Milngavie WTW Region South West Local Authority Area Glasgow Date September 2005 Disinfection failure resulting in microbiological exceedence in distribution
A blockage in the chlorine dosing system resulted in a loss of disinfection to one of the mains leaving the works for a period of eight hours. This main supplies 62,600 people in Glasgow. A microbiological sample subsequently failed for coliforms and E.coli. Issues surrounding the maintenance of equipment and escalation procedures compounded this incident and are to be addressed by Scottish Water.
Local Authority Comments Glasgow City Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005, although they comment that they receive many complaints about water quality form consumers. They feel that their organisation has a satisfactory relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves and the public during 2005 was usually accurate.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are no private water supplies in the area.
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
0 577,869 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
0000
103
Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 28,444 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within the Highlands. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 1,588 26 1.64 19 97.96 Faecal coliforms 1,588 9 0.06 8 98.73 Colour 606 41 6.77 31 89.47 Turbidity 606 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 607 38 6.26 25 90.33 Aluminium 607 8 1.32 7 98.71 Iron 607 15 2.47 12 96.10 Manganese 607 1 0.16 1 99.87 Lead 411 3 0.73 3 98.90 Trihalomethanes 413 47 11.38 26 90.41 Other Parameters 20,804 13 0.06 12 All Parameters 28,444 201 0.71 99.07
Compliance for several parameters has improved in 2005. There were fewer failures of the standards for colour, pH, iron and trihalomethanes compared with 2004. It is likely that this is due to the intensive capital investment in water treatment facilities which is currently underway. This is replacing many sites which previously consisted of a simple disinfection process with a multi-stage treatment process which is capable of treating water to current standards and providing a barrier to Cryptosporidium.
Despite these improvements, it is notable that the number of regulatory samples containing coliforms in 2005 was more than double that of 2004. There were also a number of incidents involving the disinfection process which occurred in the Highlands in 2005.
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location Glenconvinth WTW Region North West Local Authority Area Highland Date Nov 2005 Aluminium sulphate accidentally discharged into supply
105 6. Local Authority Pages
During commissioning of the new water treatment works, a tank containing a solution of aluminium sulphate was allowed to drain into the raw water supply to the existing treatment works and onwards into supply. It was later established that concentrations of aluminium at consumers’ taps did not exceed the regulatory standard as a result of this incident due to the diluting effect of water already in supply.
As a result of this incident, Scottish Water has agreed to put in place measures to improve safeguards in place when construction work is taking place at sites whilst they are in supply. They also propose to improve the mechanisms for reporting incidents and “near misses” within the company.
The DWQR expressed concern over the time taken to report the incident but welcomed the proposed actions by Scottish Water.
Location Sanna WTW Region North West Local Authority Area Highland Date August 2005 Disinfection failure resulting in microbiological exceedences in distribution
Damage to the chlorine monitoring system resulted in a loss of disinfection and a resulting microbiological exceedence from a consumer tap. Work to upgrade the site exacerbated the problem, as a telemetry outstation had not been correctly commissioned.
Location Glenloy WTW Region North West Local Authority Area Highland Date May 2005 Bacteriological Failures
Heavy rain caused a deterioration in raw water quality. Chlorine concentrations dosed at the treatment works were lower than usual due to planned work, and the simple treatment process present was not able to cope with the poor quality. Three samples at the works, service reservoir and in distribution failed for E. coli and coliforms.
The works was mained out from the new works at Fort William shortly afterwards.
106 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Location Arnisdale Supply Zone Region North West Local Authority Area Highland Date June 2005 Bacteriological Failure at Consumer Tap
A routine sample from a consumer tap was discovered to contain E. coli and coliforms. Water treatment works operation and chlorine residuals were normal. A boil notice was issued on 14 June 2005 and lifted on 16 June following satisfactory samples. The cause of the failure was not clear.
Location Scourie Supply Zone Region North West Local Authority Area Highland Date May 2005 Bacteriological Failure at WTW
A routine sample from the WTW was discovered to contain E. coli and coliforms. Disinfection had failed because the battery power supply had gone flat. The battery was replaced and chlorine dosing reinstated. The installation of telemetry at this site has been given a high priority.
Location Kinlochleven Supply Zone Region North West Local Authority Area Highland Date June 2005 Bacteriological Failure at WTW following disinfection failure
A routine sample from the WTW was discovered to contain E. coli and coliforms. Disinfection had failed because of a power failure following a lightning strike. Chlorine dosing was reinstated and clear samples were obtained. Telemetry, which would have enabled earlier detection of the problem, was not operational at this site at the time. Scottish Water has agreed that improved communications in the Lochaber area is a priority.
Location Salen WTW Region North West Local Authority Area Highland Date September 2005 Disinfection failure resulting in microbiological exceedence at the works
A blockage in the chlorine dosing system resulted in a loss of disinfection for a day. This was the culmination of ongoing problems with chlorine control during the refurbishment of the works.
107 6. Local Authority Pages
Local Authority Comments Highland Council Environmental Health Department did not comment on the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 2,785 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
2,785 208,914 13,743 6.58 0 2,101 270 344 684
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
1,323 374 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
108 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
109 6. Local Authority Pages
INVERCLYDE COUNCIL Region: South West
Argyll &Bute Supply zones in Inverclyde West Dunbartonshire Blairlinnans South Dougliehill Greenock Greenock Kaim Lochwinnoch Inverclyde
Renfrewshire
North Ayrshire
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 4,563 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Inverclyde. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 371 1 0.27 1 99.83 Faecal coliforms 371 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 138 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 138 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 138 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 138 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 138 0 0 0 100.00 Manganese 138 3 2.17 2 97.43 Lead 32 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 32 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 2,929 2 0.07 2 All Parameters 4,563 6 0.13 99.80
There were three manganese failures within the area in 2005, compared with none in 2004. The failures were in Dougliehill and Greenock supply zones. Although not demonstrated by the data, there have been problems in the area with high concentrations of iron due to the condition of cast iron mains. This has caused consumer complaints to the council as well as to DWQR. Scottish Water has responded by targeted mains rehabilitation and a wider survey to identify areas requiring further work, however this will take time and DWQR expects Scottish Water to take measures to maintain water quality until such work is complete.
110 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments Inverclyde Council Environmental Health Department report that they were not satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005, largely due to the iron problems described. They feel that the relationship their organisation has with Scottish Water could be better and that Scottish Water needs to work to improve the accuracy of water quality information provided to themselves and the public. They highlight communication with consumers and the council as a definite area for improvement by Scottish Water, and have particular concerns over information provided by Scottish Water’s contact centre.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 57 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows: Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
57 84,203 224 0.27 0 46 11 0 11
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below: Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
11500
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
111 6. Local Authority Pages
MIDLOTHIAN COUNCIL
Region: South East Fife
Supply zones in Midlothian
East Lothian Alnwickhill B Castle Moffat Edinburgh, City of Dalkeith Chalkieside Fairmilehead A Penicuik Heriot Hillend Midlothian Rosebery Rosebery/Gourlaw Rosebery Hopes Scottish Borders
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 10,402 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Midlothian boundary. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 815 7 0.86 4 99.41 Faecal coliforms 815 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 317 13 4.1 1 97.17 Turbidity 317 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 317 1 0.31 1 99.54 Aluminium 316 1 0.32 1 99.54 Iron 317 2 0.62 2 99.54 Manganese 317 1 0.31 1 99.69 Lead 67 1 1.49 1 98.61 Trihalomethanes 68 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 6,736 3 0.04 2 All Parameters 10,402 29 0.28 99.85
There were 13 failures of the PCV for colour in 2005. These failures were within the supply zone supplied by the Alnwickhill treatment works which serves parts of Midlothian as well Edinburgh. In 2005, Scottish Water gave an Undertaking to Scottish Ministers to improve treatment at the works so that colour was removed. This work was completed progressively through the latter part of 2005, and an improvement should be evident in 2006.
The 7 samples containing coliforms were taken in the first four supply zones listed at the top of the page.
112 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments Midlothian Council Environmental Health did not provide any comment on the drinking water quality in their area in 2005.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 70 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
70 80,941 471 0.58 0 68 1 1 2
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
0000
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
113 6. Local Authority Pages
THE MORAY COUNCIL Region: North East/North West
Supply zones in Moray
Blairnamarrow Herricks Elgin
Rochomie Tomnavoulin Moray Inverness Turriff Badentinan Dufftown Clarklyhill Clunas Highland
Glenlatterach Spynie Aberdeenshire
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 6,011 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Moray. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 396 3 0.76 2 99.63 Faecal coliforms 396 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 148 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 148 1 0.67 1 99.17 Hydrogen ion (pH) 148 1 0.67 1 97.50 Aluminium 148 3 2.01 2 98.06 Iron 148 2 1.34 2 98.89 Manganese 148 1 0.67 1 99.17 Lead 64 2 3.12 1 97.50 Trihalomethanes 64 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 4,203 1 0.02 1 All Parameters 6,011 14 0.23 99.75
Water quality compliance in Moray has shown a slight deterioration on 2004 for the turbidity, aluminium, iron and manganese parameters. The majority of these exceedences were from samples taken in the Herricks supply zone. Both failures for Lead were in the Rochomie supply zone.
THM compliance improved somewhat in 2005 as no failures were recorded, against three the previous year.
114 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location Tomnavoulin WTW Region North East Local Authority Area Moray Date July 2005 Membrane integrity failure leading to detection of Cryptosporidium and boil notice
Location BlairnamarrowWTW Region North East Local Authority Area Moray DateX December 2005 Detection of Cryptosporidium resulting in boil notice Local Authority Comments The Moray Council Environmental Health Department report that they were satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005. They feel that their organisation has a good relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves and the public during 2005 was usually accurate. They comment that the Moray Council received nine complaints about water quality in 2005, and where applicable these were dealt with efficiently by Scottish Water, although they also comment that there have been occasional communications problems with the company.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 608 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows: Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
608 86,940 3,498 4.02 0 558 0 50 50
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
40 87 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
115 6. Local Authority Pages
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL Region: South West
Inverclyde Supply zones in North Ayrshire
Amlaird Ashgrove Renfrewshire Balmichael Arran Bradan B Camphill Castlehill North Ayrshire
Corrie Arran Corsehouse Irvine Greenock Lochranza Arran
South Ayrshire
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 8,945 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within North Ayrshire. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 728 2 0.27 2 99.77 Faecal coliforms 727 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 281 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 281 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 281 1 0.35 1 99.75 Aluminium 281 3 1.07 3 98.36 Iron 281 6 2.14 5 96.08 Manganese 281 17 6.05 6 93.38 Lead 67 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 67 1 1.49 1 98.70 Other Parameters 5,670 2 0.03 2 All Parameters 8,945 32 0.36 99.62
Generally, drinking water quality compliance in the area is the same or better than in 2004. Manganese, aluminium and iron are the exceptions, with a deterioration in compliance for all three parameters. The area has a particular problem with manganese, and there have been several notable discolouration incidents, especially affecting the Largs, West Kilbride and Dalry areas. Throughout the year, DWQR has been discussing solutions to this problem, and Undertakings are now in place for Castlehill and Camphill zones.
116 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments North Ayrshire Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005, although they highlight the problems with manganese discolouration. They feel that their organisation has a satisfactory relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves and the public during 2005 was accurate.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 318 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
318 135,817 1,632 1.2 0 281 13 27 37
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement stillto tobe be tested tested failing standards Improved Programmes
40 30 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
117 6. Local Authority Pages
NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Region: South West
Stirling Supply zones in North Lanarkshire
Balmore F Pateshill Falkirk
Cumbernauld Balmore A Balmore B East Dunbartonshire Balmore C Balmore C5 North Glasgow City North Lanarkshire Balmore C5 South Balmore D West Lothian Balmore G Camps Motherwell Carron Valley A Carron Valley B Daer A Daer Camps South Lanarkshire Daer Coulter Daer Glassford Daer Balmore
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 23,528 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within North Lanarkshire. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 2,101 16 0.76 11 99.17 Faecal coliforms 2,100 2 0.09 2 99.93 Colour 752 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 752 1 0.13 1 99.84 Hydrogen ion (pH) 752 1 0.13 1 99.75 Aluminium 755 3 0.4 2 99.59 Iron 755 2 0.26 2 99.72 Manganese 755 4 0.52 3 99.39 Lead 134 1 0.74 1 99.16 Trihalomethanes 133 1 0.74 1 99.26 Other Parameters 14,539 4 0.03 3 All Parameters 23,528 35 0.15 99.88
Aluminium and manganese compliance has deteriorated slightly, although iron has improved. All the aluminium failures were in zones supplied by Carron Valley WTW.
118 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location Balmore A Supply Zone Region South West Local Authority Area North Lanarkshire Date February 2005 Backsiphonage following a burst main resulted in taste complaints
De-pressurisation of a water main following a burst main caused an unknown hydrocarbon to be back- siphoned into the distribution system near Motherwell. This caused numerous taste and odour complaints, although public health was not considered to be at risk. Byelaw inspections of a number of industrial premises revealed several non-compliances, although the exact source of the contamination was not conclusively identified.
Local Authority Comments North Lanarkshire Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005. They feel that their organisation has a satisfactory relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to the council was usually accurate.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 17 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
17 321,067 60 0.02 0 17 0 0 0
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
01000
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
119 6. Local Authority Pages
ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL Region: Western Isles, Orkney Islands and Shetland Orkney Islands Kirkwall
Supply zones in Orkney Boardhouse Orkney Eday Orkney
Kirbister Orkney North Hoy Orkney Highland North Ronaldsay Orkney Rousay Orkney Sanday Orkney Shapinsay Orkney South Hoy Orkney Stronsay Orkney
Westray Orkney Moray Aberdeenshire
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 2,699 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within the Orkney Islands. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 132 4 3.03 4 95.96 Faecal coliforms 132 1 0.76 1 97.73 Colour 57 3 5.26 1 93.18 Turbidity 57 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 58 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 58 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 58 1 1.72 1 99.62 Manganese 58 0 0 0 100.00 Lead 39 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 39 2 5.13 2 96.59 Other Parameters 2,011 3 0.15 2 All Parameters 2,699 14 0.52 99.34
Compliance for most parameters shows an improvement on 2004, although there were slightly more colour failures, all of which occurred in South Hoy zone.
120 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments Orkney Islands Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005, although they highlighted the taste and odour problems experienced in the Boardhouse supply during the Summer due to an algal bloom. They feel that their organisation has a satisfactory relationship with Scottish Water, although comment that communication from Scottish Water was extremely poor during the incident mentioned above.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 234 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
234 19,245 560 2.91 0 221 13 0 13
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement stillto tobe be tested tested failing standards Improved Programmes
95 14 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
121 6. Local Authority Pages
PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL
Highland Region: North East Aberdeenshire
Supply zones in Perth and Kinross Angus Clatto West Dunkeld Aberfeldy Glendevon A Glendevon B Perth & Kinross Perth Glenfarg Kenmore Killiecrankie Kinloch Rannoch Stirling Fife Kirkmichael Lintrathen Perth Turret B Edinburgh, City of Killin Turret A Glasgow City
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 17,042 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Perth and Kinross. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 1,549 13 0.84 6 99.40 Faecal coliforms 1,548 1 0.06 1 99.97 Colour 541 1 0.18 1 99.90 Turbidity 543 2 0.37 2 99.81 Hydrogen ion (pH) 543 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 543 4 0.74 2 99.12 Iron 543 5 0.92 2 99.53 Manganese 543 2 0.37 1 99.81 Lead 96 3 3.12 3 96.43 Trihalomethanes 96 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 10,497 2 0.02 2 All Parameters 17,042 33 0.19 99.87
The number of samples containing coliforms increased from eight in 2004. Many of these samples were from the two Turret supply zones. Several of the iron and aluminium failures were in the Lintrathen supply zone, with the remainder being in samples taken from Dunkeld and Clatto West respectively.
122 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location Turret B Water Supply Zone Region North East Local Authority Area Perth and Kinross Date September 2005 Taste and Odour Complaints Following Planned work in Distribution System
Planned valve operations involving a supply zone boundary near Abernethy resulted in a quantity of stale water to pass into supply, causing taste and odour complaints. Deficiencies in the risk assessment process and training were identified and addressed by Scottish Water.
Local Authority Comments Perth and Kinross Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005. They feel that their organisation has a good relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves and the public during 2005 was generally accurate, although they comment that communication from Scottish Water could have been better during the taste and odour incident in Abernethy.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 1,217 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
1,217 134,949 12,239 9.07 0 1,009 80 128 208
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
946 34 0 0
All data on private water supplies has been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
123 6. Local Authority Pages
RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL Argyll & Bute Region: South West West Dunbartonshire
Supply zones in Renfrewshire
Blairlinnans South Camphill Inverclyde
Corsehouse Kaim Lochwinnoch Renfrewshire Milngavie C1 Milngavie M3 Paisley Milngavie M4c Milngavie M5
Drumchapel East Renfrewshire
Muirdykes Neilston North Ayrshire
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 13,043 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Renfrewshire. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 1,152 15 1.3 5 99.02 Faecal coliforms 1,151 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 413 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 412 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 413 1 0.24 1 99.72 Aluminium 413 1 0.24 1 99.17 Iron 413 3 0.72 3 98.68 Manganese 413 10 2.4 3 97.41 Lead 79 1 1.26 1 98.75 Trihalomethanes 79 7 8.86 4 90.89 Other Parameters 8,105 4 0.05 3 All Parameters 13,043 42 0.32 99.56
The majority of the coliform failures and all of the THM failures are attributed to samples taken from the Milngavie supply zones. Most of the manganese failures were from the Camphill supply zone which covers a small part of the area.
124 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location Picketlaw WTW Region South West Local Authority Area Renfrewshire Date June 2005 Aluminium exceedence caused by treatment failure
Loss of treatment process control resulted in high aluminium concentrations in distribution and resulting exceedences of the regulatory standard. The incorrect setting of a telemetry alarm resulted in a delay in operational response to this treatment failure and in his assessment of the incident, the DWQR requested that Scottish Water ensure measures are in place to make certain that all alarms are correctly passed on and acted upon.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 99 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
NumberTotal of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement Privateto be tested failing %standards Total Improved Programmes Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies populationX on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2 99 172,867 547 0.32 0 94 5 0 5
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
16 55 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
125 6. Local Authority Pages
SCOTTISH BORDERS COUNCIL Fife shire Region: South East
East Lothian Edinburgh, City of
Supply zones in Scottish Borders Midlothian Duns Acreknowe, Black Esk, Bonchester, Peebles e Bonnycraig, Castle Moffat, Dodburn, Scottish Borders Drumelzier, Ettrickbridge, Heriot, Hawick Howden, Innerleithen, Manse Street, Newcastleton, Rawburn, Roberton, Dumfries & Galloway Rosebery, Southdean, Tweedsmuir, England Yarrowfeus, Yarrowford, Coulter
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 10,292 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Scottish Borders. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 647 4 0.6 3 99.68 Faecal coliforms 647 1 0.15 1 99.92 Colour 288 0 0 0 100 Turbidity 288 0 0 0 100 Hydrogen ion (pH) 288 0 0 0 100 Aluminium 270 2 0.74 2 99.59 Iron 271 5 1.85 2 95.03 Manganese 271 1 0.37 1 98.81 Lead 107 3 2.8 3 92.86 Trihalomethanes 107 1 0.93 1 94.64 Other Parameters 7,108 3 0.04 2 All Parameters 10,292 20 0.19 99.66
The iron failures are all from Rawburn supply zone. Lead failures occurred in Yarrowford, Manse Street and Dodburn supply zones. All the THM failures occurred in the Dodburn supply zone, where the treatment works only has basic treatment processes.
126 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Details of Selected Water Quality Incidents
Location Rawburn WTW Region South East Local Authority Area Borders Date June 2005 Colour and turbidity exceedence caused by treatment failure; possible associated microbiological exceedences in distribution
A poorly optimised treatment process resulted in final water quality not meeting the regulatory standard. Subsequently, several microbiological failures were reported from service reservoirs in the distribution system which may be linked to the poorer quality water. Improvements are underway at the water treatment work, and Scottish Water has addressed a number of deficiencies in operational practice.
Local Authority Comments Scottish Borders Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005, although consumers occasionally complain of chlorinous tastes. They feel that their organisation has a good relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves during 2005 was accurate.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 1,381 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
1,381 106,764 9,636 9.02 0 1,252 66 63 129
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
166 187 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
127 6. Local Authority Pages
SHETLAND ISLANDS COUNCIL Region: Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland
Shetland Islands Supply zones in the Shetland Isles Bigton Shetland Bressay Shetland Lerwick Cullivoe Shetland Eela Water Shetland Fair Isle Shetland Fetlar Shetland Foula Shetland Lerwick Shetland Mid Yell Shetland Papa Stour Shetland Skerries Shetland South Yell Shetland
Unst Shetland Whalsay Shetland Orkney Islands
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 3,284 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Shetland. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 151 2 1.32 2 97.02 Faecal coliforms 151 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 74 1 1.35 1 99.70 Turbidity 74 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 74 3 4.05 2 92.86 Aluminium 74 6 8.1 4 92.26 Iron 74 2 2.7 1 99.40 Manganese 74 0 0 0 100.00 Lead 49 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 49 1 2.04 1 98.21 Other Parameters 2,440 0 0 0 All Parameters 3,284 15 0.46 99.55
Aluminium and pH compliance has deteriorated slightly since 2004. THM compliance has improved, with the only failure occurring in Unst supply zone.
128 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments Shetland Islands Council Environmental Health Department did not comment on the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 67 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
67 21,988 166 0.75 0 64 0 3 3
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
14 23 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
129 6. Local Authority Pages
SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
North Ayrshire Region: South West
Supply zones in South Ayrshire Ayr East Ayrshire Afton Bradan A Bradan B Penwhapple
Girvan
South Ayrshire
Dumfries & Galloway
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 5,921 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within South Ayrshire. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 571 3 0.52 3 98.61 Faecal coliforms 569 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 197 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 197 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 197 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 197 4 2.03 2 98.67 Iron 197 4 2.03 2 98.67 Manganese 197 3 1.52 3 97.25 Lead 31 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 31 0 0 0 100.00 Other Parameters 3,537 1 0.03 1 All Parameters 5,921 15 0.25 99.78
Compliance for manganese improved significantly, in common with East Ayrshire which is also served by Bradan WTW. Otherwise, water quality compliance deteriorated with multiple failures for coliforms, aluminium and iron where there were none in 2004.
130 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments South Ayrshire Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005. They feel that their organisation has a good relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves during 2005 was accurate and that provided to the public usually accurate.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 243 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
243X 112,097 1,819 1.62 0 213 18 12 30
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement stillto tobe be tested tested failing standards Improved Programmes
89X 157 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
131 6. Local Authority Pages
SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL Region: South West
Glasgow City West Lothian Supply zones in South Lanarkshire North Lanarkshire East Kilbride Black Esk Rosebery
Balmore B Balmore C South Lanarkshire Scottish Borders Balmore C5 South Camps East Ayrshire Coulter Daer A Daer B Daer Camps Daer Glassford Dunside Dumfries & Galloway Glassford Milngavie C2 Milngavie C4 Milngavie M2 Daer Balmore
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 22,162 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within South Lanarkshire boundary. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 1,996 15 0.75 9 99.24 Faecal coliforms 1,994 3 0.15 3 99.88 Colour 711 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 711 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 711 0 0 0 99.91 Aluminium 711 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 711 5 0.7 4 98.17 Manganese 711 4 0.56 4 98.09 Lead 125 1 0.8 1 99.16 Trihalomethanes 124 5 4.03 4 96.11 Other Parameters 13,657 5 0.04 4 All Parameters 22,162 38 0.17 99.74
Three samples contained E. coli in 2005, compared with 5 in 2004. Coliform compliance also deteriorated slightly.
132 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments South Lanarkshire Council Environmental Health Department did not comment on the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 316 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
316 302,216 1,571 0.52 0 285 26 5 31
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
41 160 0 0
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
133 6. Local Authority Pages
STIRLING COUNCIL Region: South West Argyll & Bute
Supply zones in Stirling Crianlarich Perth & Kinross Turret B Ardeonaig Balmore D Balquidder Stirling
Brig O'Turk Burncrooks Stirling Carron Valley A Carron Valley Houses Crianlarich Finlas Falkirk
Gartcarron Killin Glasgow City North Lanarkshire Lochearnhead Muirlands School Strathyre Touch NthAhi Turret A Tyndrum
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 11,511 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within Stirlingshire. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 984 6 0.61 3 99.76 Faecal coliforms 984 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 344 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 344 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 344 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 345 1 0.29 1 99.93 Iron 345 0 0 0 100.00 Manganese 345 0 0 0 100.00 Lead 92 1 1.09 1 98.61 Trihalomethanes 91 1 1.1 1 99.31 Other Parameters 7,293 1 0.01 1 All Parameters 11,511 10 0.09 99.83
Water quality compliance in Stirlingshire was similar to 2004, although there was an improvement in iron compliance and a deterioration in coliform compliance. Several of the coliform failures occurred in Turret A supply zone.
134 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments Stirling Council Environmental Health Department report that they were generally satisfied with the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005. They state that, although there have been a number of water quality incidents in the area in 2005, the majority of these have been addressed efficiently by Scottish Water. They feel that their organisation has a satisfactory relationship with Scottish Water and that water quality information provided to themselves was accurate and the public generally so. They comment that it can sometimes be difficult to identify the correct person to contact at Scottish Water to deal with a specific issue.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 614 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total WaterX Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
614 86,212 5,960 6.91 0 547 56 11 67
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
0000
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
135 6. Local Authority Pages
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Region: South West
Argyll & Bute Supply zones in West Dunbartonshire Stirling Alexandria Blairlinnans North Balloch Blairlinnans South Burncrooks West Dunbartonshire Finlas Gartcarron
Clydebank Milngavie M4c Milngavie M5 Inverclyde Drumchapel Glasgow City Milngavie M5 Renfrew Renfrewshire
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 10,010 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within West Dunbartonshire. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 900 8 0.88 3 99.54 Faecal coliforms 900 0 0 0 100.00 Colour 312 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 312 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 312 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 312 0 0 0 100.00 Iron 312 1 0.32 1 99.66 Manganese 312 1 0.32 1 99.82 Lead 63 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 63 4 6.35 3 94.05 Other Parameters 6,212 1 0.02 1 All Parameters 10,010 15 0.15 99.82
Most of the coliform and THM failures in 2005 were in samples taken from the Milngavie supply zones, although one of the latter parameter fails occurred in Burncrooks zone.
Local Authority Comments West Dunbartonshire Council Environmental Health Department did not comment on the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005.
136 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 21 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
21 93,378 132 0.14 0 17 4 0 4
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes X 01000
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
137 6. Local Authority Pages
WEST LOTHIAN COUNCIL
Region: South East Fife
Supply zones in West Lothian Falkirk Linlithgow Balmore E Balmore F Edinburgh, City of Marchbank A Pateshill Livingston Pateshill/Marchbank Balmore A West Lothian Fauldhouse Carron Valley A Coulter
Daer A Daer Camps Scottish Borders
South Lanarkshire
Quality of Public Water Supplies Scottish Water carried out at total of 14,121 tests on tap samples taken in the water supply zones within West Lothian. The table below provides details of the main parameters tested and totals for the other parameters.
Number of Mean Total no. Total no. Zones with Zonal Parameter of tests of fails % of fails failures Compliance Total coliforms 1,303 9 0.69 5 99.46 Faecal coliforms 1,304 1 0.07 1 99.94 Colour 449 0 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 449 0 0 0 100.00 Hydrogen ion (pH) 449 0 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 450 1 0.22 1 99.87 Iron 450 2 0.44 2 99.52 Manganese 450 3 0.66 2 99.23 Lead 75 0 0 0 100.00 Trihalomethanes 75 1 1.33 1 97.50 Other Parameters 8,667 11 0.13 2 All Parameters 14,121 28 0.20 99.83
Coliform compliance in the zones covering West Lothian deteriorated slightly in 2005. Nine of the failures for other parameters were exceedences of the nitrite standard in Marchbank A supply zone.
138 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Local Authority Comments West Lothian Council Environmental Health Department report did not comment on the quality of water supplied to the area by Scottish Water in 2005.
Quality of Private Water Supplies There are 51 private water supplies in the area. These are broken down as follows:
Total Private % Total Water Total Population population Total Total Total Total Supplies population on PWS on PWS Class 1A Class 1 Class 2(I) Class 2(ii) Class 2
51 158,714 320 0.2 0 44 5 2 7
The local authority is responsible for testing and monitoring the quality of private water supplies. Data from samples taken in 2005 are summarised below:
Number of Supplies Number of Supplies Number Improvement still to be tested failing standards Improved Programmes
02200
All data on private water supplies have been provided by the local authority. For definitions of private supply categories, please refer to section 4B of this report.
139 Annexes Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Annex A
The Regulatory Framework • local authorities are required to secure improvements to private water supplies if The regulatory standards for drinking water they consider them necessary, and quality in Scotland largely stem from European • wholesomeness is defined for public supplies in Directives. On 5 December 1998 a revised the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) was Regulations 1990 and for private supplies in published in the Official Journal of the European the Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Communities. Member States of the European Regulations 1992. Union were given five years to meet the standards set in the revised Directive. Exceptions The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) to this timescale are the final standards for Regulations 2001 trihalomethanes (8 years) and lead (15 years). The original Drinking Water Directive of 15 July • The 2001 regulations effectively came into 1980 (80/778/EEC) was in force prior to this force on 25 December 2003; and was reflected in the Water Supply (Water • define wholesomeness by setting standards for Quality)(Scotland) Regulations 1990. Scotland 40 parameters and a further 11 indicator and the rest of the UK implemented the revised parameters; Directive before the end of 2003 as required by • set and define, the supply zone as the basic the EC. unit for quality monitoring; The key regulations are: • specify detailed sampling requirements for The Water (Scotland) Act 1980 samples taken at taps within zones, at service reservoirs and at water treatment works; • Scottish Water must supply wholesome water for domestic purposes. It is a criminal offence • require Scottish Water to publish an annual to supply water unfit for human consumption; report and keep a public register of water quality in its area; • Scottish Ministers must take enforcement action against Scottish Water if it fails in its • transpose the requirements of Council duty to supply wholesome water unless the Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on failure is trivial or Scottish Water is complying the quality of water intended for human with a legally binding undertaking to remedy consumption into Scottish legislation. the matter; • local authorities must take appropriate steps to keep themselves informed about the wholesomeness of public and private water supplies in their area and notify Scottish Water if not satisfied,.
141 Annex A
The Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 The Cryptosporidium (Scottish Water) • Created the post of Drinking Water Quality Directions 2003 Regulator for Scotland (DWQR). • the Cryptosporidium (Scottish Water) Directions • DWQR is responsible for enforcing the Water 2003 came into force on 1 January 2004. Supply (Water Quality)(Scotland) Regulations • revised Directions provide for more widespread 2001. testing for Cryptosporidium to provide data • DWQR is independent of Ministers. about background levels in water supplies. • DWQR has powers to obtain information, • provision put in place for Cryptosporidium power of entry or inspection and power of sampling at all water treatment works between enforcement. January and June 2004. • DWQR also has emergency powers to require • from June 2004, every supply in Scotland a water supplier to carry out works to ensure will be tested at least once a month with the quality of water supplied is safe for public frequency of testing being based on the consumption. assessed risk and the flow through the works.
The Surface Waters (Abstraction for Drinking The Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Water) (Classification) (Scotland) Regulations Regulations 1992 1996 • define wholesomeness in the same manner • sets standards for the quality of surface water and prescribe the same standards as for to be used as sources of public water supply; public supplies; • permits waivers for certain parameters where • require local authorities to classify private these have a natural origin; and supplies according to size and use: • requires Scottish Water to classify all its • require local authorities to monitor private sources of water in accordance with supplies in their area according to prescribed quality criteria subject to classification; and authorised waivers. • requires local authorities to secure improvements to private supplies if they consider them necessary; • Superseded in 2006 by the Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
142 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Annex B Index of Information Letters/Guidance Letters issued during 2005
Information Letter number TITLE 1/2005 Not Issued
2/2005 The Scottish Water Information Return – format for provision of certain information
3/2005 Guidance on sample and sample extract stability trials and preparation of samples for metals analysis
4/2005 Distribution operation and maintenance strategies (DOMS) update to DWQR requirements and expectations
5/2005 Requirements for monitoring radioactivity in water supplies
Regulation 27 Letter number TITLE 1/2005 Annual list of approved products and processes – December 2004
2/2005 Notice of intention to modify conditions of approval – Regulation 27(10)(b) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001
3/2005 Withdrawal of approval for Evercrete DPS
Copies of these letters are available on the DWQR website: www.dwqr.org.uk/technical.html
143 Annex C
Annex C Authorised Departures
There are currently some public water supplies The DWQR monitors progress with the work in Scotland that do not consistently meet the undertaken by Scottish Water in order to prescribed standard for one or more parameters. comply with the terms of the Authorised Under regulations 20 and 21 of the 2001 Departure to ensure that it is on track to Regulations, Scottish Water may apply to the achieve compliance by the date specified. Scottish Ministers for an Authorised Departure Should progress on the work give cause for from one or more of the prescribed standard(s) concern, the DWQR may initiate enforcement in respect of a specified water supply. action against Scottish Water. Authorised Departures may not be granted for a period in excess of three years, nor where a In 2005, Authorised Departures were granted breach of the prescribed standard could present by Scottish Ministers in two Water Supply a risk to human health. When Scottish Ministers Zones, making a total of nine Departures in authorise a Departure, a revised limit is set for force at the end of 2005. Completion dates of the parameter(s) in question, and Scottish Water afurther two Departures were extended via the is under an obligation to secure compliance modification process provided in the Regulations. with the standard prescribed in the Regulations Most of the supply zones with Authorised by the date specified in the Authorised Departures are in the North West of Scotland Departure. Additional monitoring for those and have relatively small populations, in many revised parameters, at frequencies in excess of cases less than 20 people. The parameters for those provided for in the Regulations, may also which Authorised Departures have been be agreed. granted are shown in the table below. The table When applying for an Authorised Departure, includes Departures which expired during 2005. Scottish Water must copy their application to Many zones with Authorised Departures have every appropriate local authority, NHS board and them for more than one parameter. the Water Industry Commission, all of whom have an opportunity to make representations No. of Zones with on the Authorised Departure application. Once Authorised Departure an application is granted, Scottish Water must Parameter for Parameter publicise the Authorised Departure either by THM 20 placing an advertisement in an appropriate Colour 19 local newspaper, or, in smaller supply zones, Iron 18 by notifying individual customers by post. pH 3 Manganese 1
144 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Many of these supplies are small upland sources which currently have no treatment other than chlorination. The solutions proposed include construction of the relevant treatment processes or, where practical, supplying the area from a neighbouring supply which is compliant with the Regulations.
Authorised Departures granted or modified in 2005 are listed below.
Authorised Authorised Departure Departure Water Supply Zone Parameters End Date Comments Dornie Trihalomethanes (THM) 30/06/2008 New Departure Colour Iron Balmacara Trihalomethanes (THM) 30/06/2008 New Departure – Subsequently modified Colour in 2006 for completion by June 2007 Laide Trihalomethanes (THM) 14/10/2007 Modified completion date agreed due to Colour circumstances beyond Scottish Water Iron control Aultbea Trihalomethanes (THM) 14/10/2007 Modified completion date agreed due to Colour circumstances beyond Scottish Water control
145 Annex D
Annex D
Other Key Activities A separate audit exercise was also undertaken with respect to the analysis of Cryptosporidium Undertaken on Behalf of at Scottish Water’s laboratories. the DWQR in 2004 Part of the laboratory audit programme included “benchmarking” with Nothern Ireland Audit of Scottish Water Treatment Works and England and Wales Drinking Water The DWQR’s team undertakes an annual Inspectorate staff who assisted with some of programme of audits at water treatment works the audit activity. This is undertaken to ensure in order to ensure the sites are operated in there is uniformity of approach throughout the accordance with the Water Supply (Water UK with respect to the standards being enforced Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001. Some of for the sampling and analysis of drinking water. these audits were undertaken in conjunction with the other UK water quality regulators. Audit of Compliance with the Cryptosporidium Such benchmarking is valuable in ensuring a (Scottish Water) Directions 2003 consistent approach to water quality regulation These Directions came into force on 1 January across the UK. 2004. An audit of Scottish Water’s compliance 26 water treatment works and 10 service with the Directions was undertaken between reservoirs were audited in Scotland in 2005 as September and December 2005. The audits were part of the technical audit programme. Areas specifically tailored to the Directions, and covered included Argyll, Western Isles, considered aspects such as the provision of Aberdeenshire, Shetland, Orkney and the Borders. suitable process monitoring equipment at The audit process results in a number of treatment works, Cryptosporidium sampling suggestions and recommendations being made. arrangements and the availability of appropriate These are followed up with Scottish Water quality assurance documentation. Fourteen sites management to ensure that any deficiencies were audited, focussing on those sites classified are rectified. as medium or high risk for Cryptosporidium by Scottish Water’s risk assessment process. Audit of Scottish Water Laboratories A subsequent audit covered such areas as Every major laboratory utilised by Scottish company procedures, staff training and Water for the testing of drinking water samples emergency arrangements. A total of 14 was audited by DWQR in 2005 including one recommendations and five suggestions were subcontracting facility. The process included a raised. It was concluded that Scottish Water series of vertical audits whereby individual was mainly compliant with the Directions with samples were trailed through the sampling, the exception of a few sections of the Direction transportation and analysis stages to ensure where further work was needed. satisfactory performance. Individual analytical methods were also witnessed.
146 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Drinking Water Quality Research Quality and Standards Investment Process The Drinking Water Quality Division of the The Quality and Standards 3 (Q & S 3) process Scottish Executive contributes to and identifies the capital investment required during commissions research work on drinking water Scottish Water’s next investment period which quality issues of particular relevance to Scotland. commences in 2006. Although this process is The DWQR offers advice and guidance on managed by the Scottish Executive, the DWQR aspects of this research. Research topics for plays an important role in working with 2005/6 with DWQR involvement included: Scottish Water to identify investment needed to Typing of Cryptosporidium isolates ensure drinking water quality will meet future standards and continues to comply with Viability of Cryptosporidium oocysts existing ones. Major areas of investment for following UV treatment the next regulatory period will include work to Distribution Operation and Maintenance ensure compliance for trihalomethanes, colour, Strategy iron and manganese standards. WHO workshop on drinking water quality in public buildings
147 Annex E
Annex E
Statistical Methods Used Zonal Compliance Mean zonal compliance for any area is built up in the Report from zonal compliance figures for individual parameters in individual supply zones. Zonal Water Quality Compliance Data for Local compliance is simply the percentage of samples Authority Areas meeting the PCV for that parameter. In order to present drinking water quality data by local authority area in Section 6, it has been Mean Zonal Compliance necessary to report data for the group of supply The Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) for a zones within that area. Water supply zone parameter may be built up for a particular boundaries do not fit local authority boundaries group of supply zones by taking the arithmetic exactly, so the data for any supply zone which mean of zonal compliances for that parameter falls wholly or partly into the local authority across all the supply zones of interest. MZC area has been included. may be produced for a local authority area, region or for Scotland as a whole in this way. This approach means that data from some supply zones are included twice or more in Section 6. Overall Compliance For example, the same data for Alnwickhill B The Overall Compliance for any group of supply supply zone appears in the sections for East zones is the arithmetic mean of the MZCs for Lothian, Mid Lothian and City of Edinburgh. every parameter. An Overall Compliance figure for Scotland may be calculated in this way. In Mean Zonal Compliance 2005 this was 99.42%. The DWQR has used the index known as Mean Zonal Compliance for the first time in this Pesticides report, when considering water quality at All parameters are weighted equally in the national, regional and local level. It is intended calculation. Scottish Water tests for a large that this method will provide a simple means of number of different pesticides every year, using summarising drinking water compliance and a risk assessment process to define sampling comparing year on year performance. All requirements in each supply zone. This drinking water quality regulators in the UK are variation in sampling requirements combined now reporting Mean Zonal Compliance figures with the sheer number of pesticide determinands using the same methodology, and it should has the potential to skew the Overall Compliance therefore now be possible to make comparisons calculation by placing undue weight on of this index between the countries of the UK. pesticide analysis. For that reason, results for the individual pesticides not specifically mentioned in Schedule 1 of the Regulations have been combined to produce a single “All Pesticides” parameter.
148 Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Missing samples and zones with small Mean Zonal Compliance populations In order to calculate the MZC for iron for a DWQR has noted that Scottish Water has failed group of 10 zones which include Zone 1, the to take any samples for certain parameters in a arithmetic mean of all the zonal compliances very small number of supply zones. This seems for iron is taken. to particularly affect lead and trihalomethane samples. Where no samples have been taken in a Number zone for a parameter, the compliance has been samples taken to be 0%, as if all the samples had failed. taken for iron Some of the water supply zones in Scotland are very small, with populations in single figures. Zone 1 96.15 Regulatory samples frequencies are based on Zone 2 98.6 populations, hence sampling for certain Zone 3 100 parameters in these zones is infrequent, with Zone 4 100 perhaps only 2 samples being taken for each Zone 5 100 parameter per year. If one of these samples fails, Zone 6 100 this will adversely affect mean zonal compliance Zone 7 100 to a much greater extent than a sample failure in Zone 8 100 a large supply zone. This is unavoidable to some Zone 9 100 extent, and in calculations of regional mean zonal compliance, this effect is compensated for Zone 10 100 to some extent by the large number of these MZC 99.48 small zones which are present in regions such as the North West. Overall Compliance Worked Example To calculate overall compliance for the group of 10 zones, the arithmetic mean of the MZC Zonal Compliance for every parameter is calculated.
The zonal compliance for iron for a notional OPI (TIM) supply zone, Zone 1, is calculated as follows: Operational Performance Index (TIM) is used to reflect the performance of the distribution system Number for a zone or collection of zones. It is simply samples Number Zonal the arithmetic mean of the MZCs for turbidity, samples taken for Compliance manganese and iron for that group of zones. iron failing (Iron) Zone 1 52 2 96.15
149
Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2005
Annual Report by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator Annual Report by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator
© Crown copyright 2006
This document is also available on the DWQR website: www.dwqr.org.uk
Astron B46660 08/06
Further copies are available from Blackwells Bookshop 53 South Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1YS
Telephone orders and enquiries 0131 622 8283 or 0131 622 8258
Fax orders 0131 557 8149
Email orders [email protected]
ISBN 0-7559-5077-1
9 780755 950775
www.dwqr.org.uk