Vol. 564 No. 1
296 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he is considering EU or other proposals to get rid of lead pipes for water supply in domestic houses; the details of same; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8808/03]
The 1998 EU Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) reduces the parametric value for lead from 50 micrograms per litre under the previous directive to ten micrograms per litre. A 15 year timeframe to the end of 2013 is specified for achieving compliance with the new standard with an interim value of 25 micrograms per litre to be achieved by the end of 2003. Compliance with the interim standard is generally achievable through appropriate treatment at water treatment plants. Limited sampling of houses in Dublin, known to have lead services, indicates that up to 80% may already be in compliance with the 2013 standard. More comprehensive data will become available under the drinking water national monitoring programme now being developed by my Department.
Full assessment of any actions required to meet the new lead standard, and the associated cost, must await determination of a recommended sampling method for lead. Proposals in this regard are awaited from the EU Commission. I am not aware of any specific EU proposals in regard to the replacement of lead services.
