Water Lead Levels Targeted in N. Ireland

Nov. 12, 2003

An extra chemical soon will be added to Northern Ireland's water supply to try to cut its lead content by half.

Northern Ireland's Water Service will add the chemical from the end of the year in response to European concerns over the amount of lead that ends up in drinking water.

When water leaves the reservoirs, it does not contain any lead but by the time it arrives in taps in the province, it can contain well over the limit set by Europe.

The lead is dissolved out of the pipes in the streets and the old lead pipes which are still in many houses in Northern Ireland.

To stop some of the lead dissolving, the Water Service is to add the chemical, orthophosphoric acid, to the water supply.

Tom Horrage of the Water Service told the BBC the chemical was quite safe.

"It has been used for over 20 years throughout Europe. Also the acid that's being used is a common constituent of soft drinks," he said.

"We've done extensive trials and tests and in other areas where it's been used, they've not noticed at all."

The Water Service has until Christmas Day to meet the new tougher lead limits.

Source: BBC

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