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Annex D
Other Key Activities Undertaken on Behalf of the DWQR in 2004
Audit of Scottish Water Treatment Works
The DWQR's team undertakes an annual programme of audits at water treatment works in order to ensure the sites are operated in accordance with the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001. Some of these audits were undertaken in conjunction with the other UK water quality regulators. Such benchmarking is valuable in ensuring a consistent approach to water quality regulation across the UK.
26 water treatment works and 10 service reservoirs were audited in Scotland in 2005 as part of the technical audit programme. Areas covered included Argyll, Western Isles, Aberdeenshire, Shetland, Orkney and the Borders. The audit process results in a number of suggestions and recommendations being made. These are followed up with Scottish Water management to ensure that any deficiencies are rectified.
Audit of Scottish Water Laboratories
Every major laboratory utilised by Scottish Water for the testing of drinking water samples was audited by DWQR in 2005 including one subcontracting facility. The process included a series of vertical audits whereby individual samples were trailed through the sampling, transportation and analysis stages to ensure satisfactory performance. Individual analytical methods were also witnessed.
A separate audit exercise was also undertaken with respect to the analysis of Cryptosporidium at Scottish Water's laboratories.
Part of the laboratory audit programme included "benchmarking" with Nothern Ireland and England and Wales Drinking Water Inspectorate staff who assisted with some of the audit activity. This is undertaken to ensure there is uniformity of approach throughout the UK with respect to the standards being enforced for the sampling and analysis of drinking water.
Audit of Compliance with theCryptosporidium(Scottish Water) Directions 2003
These Directions came into force on 1 January 2004. An audit of Scottish Water's compliance with the Directions was undertaken between September and December 2005. The audits were specifically tailored to the Directions, and considered aspects such as the provision of suitable process monitoring equipment at treatment works, Cryptosporidium sampling arrangements and the availability of appropriate quality assurance documentation. Fourteen sites were audited, focussing on those sites classified as medium or high risk for Cryptosporidium by Scottish Water's risk assessment process. A subsequent audit covered such areas as company procedures, staff training and emergency arrangements. A total of 14 recommendations and five suggestions were raised. It was concluded that Scottish Water was mainly compliant with the Directions with the exception of a few sections of the Direction where further work was needed.
Drinking Water Quality Research
The Drinking Water Quality Division of the Scottish Executive contributes to and commissions research work on drinking water quality issues of particular relevance to Scotland. The DWQR offers advice and guidance on aspects of this research. Research topics for 2005/6 with DWQR involvement included:
Typing of Cryptosporidium isolates
Viability of Cryptosporidium oocysts following UV treatment
Distribution Operation and Maintenance Strategy
WHO workshop on drinking water quality in public buildings
Quality and Standards Investment Process
The Quality and Standards 3 (Q & S 3) process identifies the capital investment required during Scottish Water's next investment period which commences in 2006. Although this process is managed by the Scottish Executive, the DWQR plays an important role in working with Scottish Water to identify investment needed to ensure drinking water quality will meet future standards and continues to comply with existing ones. Major areas of investment for the next regulatory period will include work to ensure compliance for trihalomethanes, colour, iron and manganese standards.
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