Southern Water washes their hands

In response to a number of letters in your columns recently regarding fluoridation of drinking water, contrary to what some readers have suggested, fluoride is not added to water supplies within the Southern Water area.Under The Water Act, 2003, the decision on whether or not to add fluoride to the supply rests with the Strategic Health Authority, not Southern Water.Our role is to provide technical information on supply and distribution arrangements associated with any scheme promoted.In terms of customers' views on this matter, regulations were introduced last year which require a health authority to consult fully with customers before implementing any fluoridation scheme.
This is to ensure customers in the affected areas are in favour. In this respect, customers should be sure to take part fully in the consultation process on any scheme proposed. In terms of the taste reported by some of your correspondents, drinking water may occasionally have a slightly chlorinous taste and odour.
We use a very small dose of chlorine in the treatment process to ensure water is free of any harmful bacteria and is safe to drink.

However, if customers notice unusual tastes or odours in their drinking water, they should contact our call centre on 0845 278 0845 and we will be pleased to investigate. Southern Water is committed to provide customers with a cost-effective service and drinking water of the highest standard. We will soon be publishing the results of our monitoring during 2005, which confirms drinking water quality is being maintained at a high quality. More detailed information on water quality can be found at www.southernwater.co.uk .

-Nigel Smetham, head of water quality, Southern Water