AWWA ACE99314

This paper reviews United Kingdom regulatory control, specifically the New European Drinking Water directive. Historical data is presented that shows the low background levels of radioactivity in major water sources in Northwest England. The monitoring shows short-term, low level contamination resulting from the nuclear bomb tests in the late fifties and early sixties and the Chernobyl accident. Actions to be taken during a nuclear emergency are discussed including procedures essential to ensure monitoring of water quality in the event of a nuclear reactor accident. The safety of water supplies is compared with approved "Action Levels". Occupational exposure to radon in air is discussed along with the potential health risk posed by radon in the indoor air of water treatment works and service reservoirs connected with groundwater supplies.