Vol. 413 No. 6
16 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that the levels of aluminium in the public water supply are not detrimental to public health; if he will give examples of aluminium levels which are known to be highest in certain parts of the country; the measures, if any, likely to be taken to alleviate the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
56 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give details of the local authorities which add aluminium sulphate to drinking water supplies; if he has satisfied himself that there is no deleterious effect on public health from this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
64 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline, in respect of the drinking water samples tested throughout the State in 1989 (1) the number of which exceeded the maximum allowable EC concentrations of aluminium (2) the highest level by which any sample exceeded the EC level and (3) the steps which are being taken to reduce the level of aluminum in drinking water; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
113 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for the Environment whether arising from recent test results carried out on drinking water which confirm that aluminium levels could be associated with Alzheimer's disease, he will investigate the possibility of the local authorities using some other chemical which would be safer to public health.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 56, 64 and 113 together.
Aluminium sulphate is used worldwide in the treatment of drinking water and is accepted by the World Health Organisation and the EC. I am satisfied that its use in accordance with the drinking water regulations is consistent with international practice and is safe. My Department closely follow research developments in this area.
A report of the Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland (1989), compiled by the Environmental Research Unit, was published on 17 October, 1991 and copies are available in the Oireachtas Library. This identifies local authority use of aluminium sulphate in 1989 to treat drinking water, and the incidence of alluminium residuals above the maximum admissible concentration set in the regulations. Some 1,992 samples, covering 456 water supplies, were analysed for aluminium content. Almost 86 per cent of these samples — 1,712 — were in compliance with the requirements of the regulations, while just over 14 per cent — 280 — showed levels in excess of the 0.2 mg per litre standard. The majority of exceedances are not far removed from the maximum admissible concentration. However 2.3 per cent indicate aluminimum concentrations greater than 1.0 mg per litre.
The reports have identified aluminimum as a significant problem. I regard any exceedance of the standard with concern. However, I should emphasise that a casual link has not been established between aluminimum in water and Alzheimer's disease. Counter-measures to deal with the exceedances identified are a priority in the programme of capital works for water supply. Extension and replacement of treatment works and distribution systems, where necessary, are being supported by grants from my Department under that programme. A small number of water supplies are treated with ferric sulphate rather than aluminium sulphate. Further experiments with the use of this alternative coagulant are now underway.
Sanitary authorities have also been asked to review all aspects of the management and operation of water supplies. The indications are that, in many cases, better treatment works practice and more active supervision could bring the drinking water quality into conformity with the regulations.
Can the Minister indicate to the House the degree of sampling that takes place and the frequency of the taking of samples in the various domestic water supplies nationwide? For example, would he say whether there are any schemes where a lesser degree of sampling than is desirable takes place? In addition, would he not accept that the 2.3 per cent of high incidence of aluminium found in water supplies is totally unacceptable? What measures does he take, either by way of alternative treatment or otherwise, to deal with that matter? My last question is: since a number of locations throughout the country have been identified showing excessively high levels of aluminium in water supplies, what measures does the Minister intend taking to combat that problem having regard to its association — as has been pointed out — with Alzheimer's disease?
The detailed information requested by the Deputy is not available to me here but I will have it conveyed to him. We have been in touch with local authorities about areas where there was an exceedance of the standard but the monitoring of the water is of fundamental importance and is recognised as such by my Department and local authorities.
I did ask in my question if the Minister would give specific details of the local authorities concerned. Perhaps he would circulate that information to Members. Arising from his reply, will he say who is carrying out the analysis of the ferric sulphate substitute; whether he is interesting himself in the matter so as to remove the use of aluminium sulphate altogether to be replaced by ferric substitutes, if that is proved acceptable economically and particularly health wise?
I am aware that Dublin Corporation are one local authority involved in the use of ferric sulphate as an alternative. I understand also that this is happening in Moneypoint in Clare, in Ballymote and in respect of the North Sligo regional water supply.
I am surprised that the Minister, a medical doctor, appears to be playing down this problem. Does he not share the alarm expressed by his predecessor that 14 per cent of the water tested exceeded the acceptable aluminium content level? Does he share the view of his predecessor that counter measures to deal with this problem are a priority for the sanitary services budget of his Department? Would he say whether there has been any change in that order of priority and indicate what counter measures are planned?
Of course I am concerned that the acceptable aluminium level has been exceeded in the past. Now that we are aware of that I am satisfied that all measures have been taken by my Department and local authorities to ensure that that is corrected.
I might remind the House that we have exceeded the time ordered. I would ask Deputy Jim Mitchell to co-operate with a short question.
Arising from the Minister's worrying reply in respect of Alzheimer's disease in particular would he assure the country that local authority water supplies are not what were described as a chemical cocktail and dangerous to the public? Would he give that assurance?
The Deputy is aware that local authorities do monitor water supplies very carefully to ensure that they are safe for domestic use. That is the position but from time to time there are incidents as was the case recently in Naas, in Deputy Durkan's county. When there is any such incident it is dealt with effectively.
We have exceeded by 5 minutes the normal provison of time for Question Time. I am sorry to disappoint Deputies Finucane and Owen but we must stay with the order of the House.
