Our Reference: EIR/1104/2022

Dear Mr Scott

Request for information

We refer to your requests for information, which was received on the 1^st
of April 2022.   

We are dealing with your request as one made under the Environmental
Information Regulations 2004.

In accordance with the Regulations, we will respond to your request within
20 working days (calculated from the first working day after receipt).

We have assigned reference EIR/1104/2022 to your request. Please kindly
note this in all correspondence with us regarding this matter.

In the meantime, if you have any queries, you can contact us on email
[1][email address].

Yours faithfully,
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

_______________________________________________________ Dwr Cymru Welsh
Water is firmly committed to water conservation and promoting water
efficiency. Please log on to our website www.dwrcymru.com/waterefficiency
to find out how you can become water wise. Mae Dwr Cymru Welsh Water wedi
ymrwymo i warchod adnoddau dwr a hyrwyddo defnydd dwr effeithiol. Mae
cyngor i' ch helpu i ddefnyddio dwr yn ddoeth yn
www.dwrcymru.com/waterefficiency

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Our Reference: EIR/1104/2022

Dear Mr Scott,

Request for Information

We write further to your request for information dated 1st of April 2022,
which we have been considering under
the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

Please find below your questions alongside our responses:

1 - please can you confirm the quantity of Asbestos (AC) pipework within
your water pipe network. Please provide any answer in kilometres.

We currently have approximately 3500km of AC pipework.

2 - please can you confirm what plans/strategy your company has to phase
out or replace Asbestos/AC pipework within its pipe network?

Our investment strategy and plans are based on meeting key outcomes (such
as meeting all applicable legislative and regulatory requirements;
delivering safe and high-quality drinking water; providing a reliable
supply of water in the short-, medium- and long-term; protecting and
enhancing the environment; delivering wider environmental and public
value; providing excellent customer service; keeping bills affordable;
etc.) as economically, efficiently and effectively as possible while
managing the increasing threats from changing climate patterns,
cyberattacks, etc.

In working with stakeholders on Price Review 2024 (PR24), we are
continually optimising our investment plans to achieve the best overall
mix of outcomes for our customers and the environment over the short,
medium and long term within affordability constraints.  This optimisation
will determine the pace at which we will replace Asbestos/AC pipework as
well as the pace at which we meet other investment needs across our Water
and Wastewater services.  Depending on the mix of scenarios under
consideration, the proposed replacement rate of Asbestos/AC pipework
currently varies between 13km/year to 44km/year (note:  This is still
subject to change in the PR24 process, as we continue to refine scenarios
and possible options with stakeholders.).

Under all scenarios and options considered, we will continue to meet all
applicable legislative and regulatory requirements including those related
to the provision of safe drinking water set by the Drinking Water
Inspectorate (DWI).  The range of proposed replacement rates of
Asbestos/AC pipework above is not driven by, nor does it affect, the level
of Asbestos fibres within drinking water.  Rather, the main drivers behind
the range of proposed replacement rates are the effects of climate change
and time on the condition of the pipework and the resulting impact to our
customers with regards to the reliability of the supply of water.

3 - please can you confirm if your company has commissioned or completed
any studies on the health & environmental risks associated with Asbestos
fibres within drinking water? (If yes, please can you provide a copy of
the study, report etc).

There has been no new guidance from DWI since our last response in 2019, a
copy of which is attached.

We hope that this response is clear. Should you have any questions, you
can contact us at [1][email address].

If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the
right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be
submitted within 40 working days of the date of receipt of this response
and should be addressed to General Counsel and Company Secretary, Heol
Pentwyn, Nelson, Treharris, Mid Glamorgan, CF46 6LY.

Yours faithfully

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

_______________________________________________________ Dwr Cymru Welsh
Water is firmly committed to water conservation and promoting water
efficiency. Please log on to our website www.dwrcymru.com/waterefficiency
to find out how you can become water wise. Mae Dwr Cymru Welsh Water wedi
ymrwymo i warchod adnoddau dwr a hyrwyddo defnydd dwr effeithiol. Mae
cyngor i' ch helpu i ddefnyddio dwr yn ddoeth yn
www.dwrcymru.com/waterefficiency

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