P253 CEEFAX 253 Mon 17 Nov 21:24/27 1/3 SUB-STANDARD WATER More people would drink tap water, if its quality improved says a report bz Which One in five people complained to the the mbgazjnj that their tap water tasted poor, was discoloured and contained "bits". People living in soft water areas tended to be more satisfied than those living in hard water areas (where the water has more calcium and magnesium dissolved in it). MoreP253 CEEFAX 253 Mon 17 Nov 21:17/35 2/3 W SUB-STANDARD WATER Over one in three people questioned bz Which? magazine are dissatisfied with their tap water. Local councils are improving some supplies to conform to EEC standards but the task may take up to ten years to complete. But some areas are exempt jrom these standards and, although the water does not constitute a risk to public health, it may contain 'pollutants' - eg lead nitrate and bacteria. MoreP253 CEEFAX 253 Mon 17 Nov 21:33/57 3/3 Q W SUB-STANDARD WATER Which? magazine wants to see an improvement in the quality of the nation's water supplies. The Govjrnmjnt aims to see EEC standards for tap water mit bz 1995. This is too long a period according to the magazine. It wants to see a programme undjrtakjn to get private a water supplies monitored properly. If you have a complaint about the quality of your tap water, contact your water authority or company. More