DRINKING water in Settle and Ingleton had levels of a potentially carcinogenic chemical which exceeded stringent standards set by the European Union and UK Government.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate's report for 1997 revealed a couple of samples in Settle and Ingleton which failed the standards for trihalomethanes (THMs), but emphasised there was no risk to health.

"There is no evidence that any of the contraventions were of such a magnitude or duration as to endanger the health of consumers," said the DWI's chief inspector Michael Rouse in the report.

Mr Rouse added that although a single sample failed that did not mean that the water was harmful to health or otherwise unfit for drinking.

Principal inspector with the DWI, Claire Jackson, added: "There was no health risk associated with this. The standards have a very big element of safety built in.

"We have taken enforcement action and we are in the process of accepting an undertaking from Yorkshire Water to do something about it."

THMs are formed when chlorine added to disinfect water reacts with naturally occurring organic substances.

A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said: "Last year Yorkshire Water analysed 1,049 samples for THMs. Of these, only 26 failed to comply with the required standard.

"Many of these failures relate to the fact that there was an increase in the amount of bacteriological growth in some parts of the water supply system during the warm summer weather. To address this issue Yorkshire Water temporarily increased levels of chlorine disinfection, which had a knock-on effect of increasing THM levels in a small number of areas.

"With regard to the majority of cases, the DWI is satisfied that we have taken appropriate action to secure compliance in the future. In respect of Settle and Ingleton where the remedy will take a little longer to implement, we have offered formal undertakings to implement the work necessary.

"Yorkshire Water would like to assure its customers that their drinking water meets the high quality, health related standards applicable throughout the UK, and is monitored on a regular basis."

The local Water Watch group is keeping an eye on the situation, said chairman, Penny Ward. She said: "Water Watch is a group of people who are interested in various aspects of water issues."

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