Scotland

Revealed: the cancer chemicals in our water
An investigation by the Sunday Herald into last week's outbreak of cryptosporidium has established: That 34% of all water works across Scotland, a total of 193, are also polluted with cancer-causing chemicals, trihalomethanes (THMs). The incidence of THMs in the water is arguably far more serious than last week's outbreak of cryptosporidium since it can cause cancer, reproductive problems, damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and central nervous system and can harm pregnant women and cause miscarriages.

The crypto factor
Last week Glasgow's water was deemed unsafe for five days due to the outbreak of a potentially lethal parasite, cryptosporidium. Edinburgh's supply was also deemed unsafe amid confusion over where the bug would strike next. Those whose job it was to protect the public last week, agree with Bateman's sentiments.

The Challenge of Scottish Water
Against attempts to privatize public resources, "Scottish Water has been created to enable the water industry in Scotland to keep charges at an acceptable level for customers. This new organisation, formed from the previous three water authorities, will create a unique public sector model in the UK but will be run as efficiently and effectively as any organisation in the private sector.