I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 18, 53, 54 and 138 together.
The report of the Environmental Protection Agency on drinking water quality in 1995 indicates that overall quality continues to be satisfactory, especially in the public supplies. However, further measures to improve water quality, especially in relation to private group schemes, are needed.
The position outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency is that, apart from coliforms, compliance levels in respect of strictly health related parameters were close to or above 99 per cent in 1995. In the case of coliforms, the overall compliance level, 87.5 per cent, was a small improvement on 1994. There is no room for complacency about the limited exceedances of drinking water quality parameters identified in the report and I will be asking local authorities to ensure that intensive follow-up measures are taken where exceedances have occurred.
In September 1996, my Department wrote to sanitary authorities reiterating earlier advice that they should carry out risk assessment of water supply sources, with highest priority to be given to groundwater supplies which are in close proximity to potentially polluting sources. I have asked sanitary authorities to review their action plans for the protection of water supplies in the light of the findings of these risk assessments. In addition, my Department will continue to support the development of the integrated training programme for personnel involved in the treatment and supply of drinking water which is being promoted by the Sanitary Services National Training Group.