Bulk imports from South East Water and Southern Water

WATER INDUSTRY ACT 1991(AS AMENDED): SECTION 19(1)(b)

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD, AND RURAL AFFAIRS:

1. is satisfied that Icosa Water Services Ltd “the Company” in supplying water imported from Hazards Green Treatment Works operated by South East Water and Burham Treatment works operated by Southern Water which may be at risk of exceeding the standards for metaldehyde. This means that the Company is likely to contravene its duty in respect of supplying water which meets the Regulations under Section 68(1)(a) of the Water Industry Act 1991 (as amended) and meets the requirement set in regulation 4(2)(c) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (as amended).
2. notes that Icosa Water Services Ltd has on 30 April 2020 given a new undertaking (DWI Ref No: ICW-2020-00003) under the provisions of section 19(1)(b) of the Water Industry Act 1991 (as amended).
3. Steps to be taken

(a) Date: Ongoing for the duration of the undertaking

1. For the period of the undertaking, implement an enhanced monitoring strategy for metaldehyde in the identified supply zones to supplement the regulatory programme. The enhanced program will ensure at least one sample per month is collected and analysed for metaldehyde.
2. If the concentration in any water sample exceeds the maximum concentration agreed with Public Health England the Company will take all reasonable measures in consultation with local health professionals to minimise the impact on customers.
3. Report exceedances of the 0.10µg/l standard to the Inspectorate in accordance with the current monthly exception reporting.

(b) Date: Ongoing for the duration of the undertaking

1. Continue to regularly liaise with the companies providing the bulk supplies to monitor progress with the measures being taken to secure compliance with the metaldehyde standard at their treatment works.

(c) Date: Ongoing for the duration of the undertaking

1. To continually assess the risk of metaldehyde and total pesticides as a hazard in the supply systems associated with the identified treatment works which provide the bulk supplies of water to the Company and provide updates of the Regulation 28 risk assessment reports as appropriate.

(d) Reporting: Provide DWI with reports on progress with carrying out the steps set out in the undertaking. Date: Annually for the duration of the Undertaking. Reporting periods are Jan – Dec. Reports to be submitted by 31 Jan each year that the Undertaking is in place, (except for Jan 2025)

Reports to include at least the following details:

1. Metaldehyde monitoring data for the zones listed in the Annex to this schedule;
2. Details of contacts made with the supplying water company concerning the actions that company is undertaking to address the risk of metaldehyde in the water supplied.
3. Any other relevant information.

(e) Date: When there is sufficient evidence of suitable mitigation of the risk (i.e. 3 years samples below 0.1ug/l and evidence of stable or decreasing raw water trends) or by 31st March 2025.

Provide a final report to DWI on the outcome of the activities undertaken, including by the incumbent water companies, the solutions implemented, and the conclusions drawn from other work carried out.
Include, as evidence for closure for this scheme, appropriate documentation to confirm that the actions set out in this schedule of work have been completed and the extent to which the required outcomes have been achieved.

4) is satisfied that Icosa Water Services Ltd has given and is complying with an undertaking to take all such steps as appear to the Secretary of State for the time being to be appropriate to secure or facilitate compliance with the requirement of regulation 4(2)(c) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (as amended).

Authorised by the Secretary of State to sign in that behalf:
Milo Purcell
Deputy Chief Inspector
Drinking Water Inspectorate
DWI Ref No: ICW-2020-00003
2nd May 2020