Whether it considers that 1.07% of failed tests for lead in consumer tap samples, shown in Table 3.4c of Drinking Water Quality in Scotland…

Lead is not normallypresent in water leaving water treatment works but it can be dissolved from oldlead pipes that are sometimes present in older properties. Non-compliance withthe lead standard therefore reflects the presence of lead plumbing in older propertiesrather than the quality of the water in the public supply. In order to reduce consumers’exposure to lead in drinking water and to bring the quality of drinking water atthe consumer’s tap into line with Scotland’s obligations under the Drinking WaterDirective (98/83/EC), Scottish Water has embarked on an extensive programme to installtreatment to minimise the uptake of lead from domestic plumbing in areas where theremay be high numbers of properties with old lead pipes. The figures published for2006 show an improved situation over those found in 2005 (1.20%) and the trend towardsfull compliance with the relevant lead standard in the Water Supply (Water Quality)(Scotland) Regulations 2001 is being closely monitored by the Drinking Water QualityRegulator for Scotland (DWQR).