Vol. 483 No. 3
268 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department has assessed whether the lead pipes which are used in many parts of Dublin city to deliver water to households represent a health hazard in view of the growing evidence of hazards from lead; the action or financial support, if any, he has to encourage people to replace lead pipes with a more suitable material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20251/97]
At the Environment Council on 16 October 1997, Ministers reached political agreement on the proposed revision of the Drinking Water Directive (80/778/EEC). In so far as the lead standard is concerned, the proposal provides for a reduction from the current value of 50 ug/l to 10 ug/l to be achieved within a 15 year timeframe. An interim value of 25 ug/l will apply after five years. This can generally be achieved by the use of appropriate water treatment techniques by sanitary authorities, where warranted.
Preliminary assessment of the implications of the new lead standard suggest that, where lead services are in place in Dublin, a high level of compliance is currently being achieved with the more stringent value of 10 ug/l. Further assessment of the situation in relation to lead, including possible cost implications, must await definition of an appropriate sampling regime for lead. The results of a EU Commission study on this matter are due to be published shortly.
