The quality of tap water in England and Wales has improved again, according to figures released by the independent Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Forum Response: Thames Water

John Sexton, managing director of Thames Water Utilities, said: "Last year our water supplies passed 99.92 per cent of tests based on strict UK and EU standards.

"The improvement, from the previous figure of 99.91 per cent, puts Thames Water above the national average of 99.87 per cent.

"The DWI says in its report that Thames Water's supplies are 'of a high quality'. During the year, more than 542,000 tests were made on samples collected from points throughout the company's supply network, including water treatment works, reservoirs and customers' taps.

"This is excellent news, and testament to the major investment we continue to make in developing our water treatment and distribution processes."