Drinking Water Directive and Proposed Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations for Scotland

Abstract

ABSTRACTTaken in conjunction with the clauses added to the Water (Scotland) Act 1980 by the Water Act 1989 in respect of quality, as opposed to organizational terms, the introduction of the EC drinking water Directive1 and the proposed water quality Regulations2 represents the most fundamental change to Scottish water supply legislation since the Water (Scotland) Act 1946.The drinking water Directive1 was passed by the European Council on 15 July 1980, with the requirement for full compliance by Member States by 18 July 1985.Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations for Scotland were circulated in draft form by the Scottish Development Department for informal consultation during September 1989. This had been preceded by informal consultation through the Convention of Scottish local authorities during the discussion stage of the UK Advisory Group on Drinking Water Regulations.This paper attempts to provide a simplified interpretation of the proposed Scottish Regulations on drinking water quality. It comments briefly on those requirements likely to have a significant impact on Scottish water authorities, including public communications, laboratory facilities, water treatment operational practices, and capital funding.