Graphene technology and Fluoride in drinking water treatment: FOI release

Information requested

1. Does this Graphene contract apply to Scottish Water, and if so, what is the start date for the filters?

2. Does Scottish Water currently use any filters containing Graphene?

3. Are there any plans to use Graphene filters at a future date?

4. Is Fluoride added to any water supply in Scotland?

5. Are there any plans to add Fluoride to the water supply at a future date?

Response

In relation to your questions about Graphene Oxide, it is a matter for Scottish Water to decide which products it uses in order to meet the drinking water standards as set out in The Public Water Supply (Scotland) Regulations 2014 (‘the Regulations’). The products and treatment required will depend on the nature and source of the raw water. The role of the Scottish Government is to operate the approval process for materials and products used by Scottish Water on behalf of the Scottish Ministers under Section 33 of the Regulations. If graphene oxide were to be proposed for use by the water industry then approval would be required. Scottish Water can only use products that meet the requirements of Regulation 33 of the Regulations. A failure to meet these requirements is an offence.

I can confirm that no Graphene Oxide products are currently approved or the subject of an application. Furthermore, there is no work in the standardisation committee responsible for treatment chemicals and products (filter media) to develop standards based on this substance.

In relation to your questions about fluoride, I can confirm no water supply is fluoridated in Scotland and that there are currently no plans to do so.

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