The Hidden Threat: Unveiling the Presence of Asbestos in Drinking Water

Adam Fox • 23 June 2023

Introduction to Asbestos in Drinking Water

Asbestos, an infamous mineral known for its heat-resistant properties, has been widely used in various industries and construction materials. However, the presence of asbestos in drinking water poses a significant health risk that often goes unnoticed. In this article, we will explore the serious health effects of asbestos exposure, how asbestos can contaminate drinking water, and the importance of addressing this hidden threat.


Understanding the Serious Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure


Asbestos exposure has long been associated with severe health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. When asbestos fibres are inhaled or ingested, they can become trapped in the body, leading to the development of these life-threatening diseases. While the primary source of asbestos exposure is typically through the inhalation of asbestos fibres in the air, the presence of asbestos in drinking water can also contribute to the overall exposure levels.


Understanding How Asbestos Can Contaminate Drinking Water


Asbestos can contaminate drinking water through various sources, such as asbestos-cement pipes, plumbing fixtures, and deteriorating asbestos-containing materials in buildings. Over time, these materials can release asbestos fibres into the water supply, particularly when the water is corrosive or acidic. Once asbestos fibres enter the drinking water system, they can pose a significant risk to human health when consumed.


The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and Its Impact


To address the risks associated with asbestos exposure, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 was implemented in many countries. These regulations aim to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres by setting standards for the removal, handling, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. While these regulations primarily focus on the removal of asbestos from buildings, they also play a role in ensuring the safety of drinking water by minimizing the presence of asbestos in the water supply.


The Potential Risks of Asbestos-Contaminated Drinking Water


Consuming asbestos-contaminated drinking water can have severe health consequences. Asbestos fibres ingested through water can accumulate in the body over time, increasing the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. The long latency period of these diseases further complicates matters, as symptoms may not appear until years or even decades after exposure. It is crucial to address the potential risks of asbestos-contaminated drinking water to protect public health.


Testing for Asbestos in Drinking Water


Regular testing for asbestos in drinking water is essential to identify and mitigate potential risks. Specialised laboratories can analyse water samples to determine the presence and concentration of asbestos fibres. These tests usually involve collecting samples from various points in the water distribution system, including taps and reservoirs. By monitoring the asbestos levels in drinking water, authorities can take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the water supply.


The Importance of Regular Monitoring and Maintenance


Regular monitoring and maintenance of water treatment facilities and distribution systems are crucial to prevent the contamination of drinking water with asbestos fibres. This includes inspecting and repairing asbestos-cement pipes, replacing aging plumbing fixtures, and implementing corrosion control measures. By prioritizing proactive measures, water authorities can reduce the likelihood of asbestos contamination and safeguard public health.


Steps to Take if Asbestos is Found in Your Drinking Water


If asbestos is detected in your drinking water, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your family. Contact your local water authority to report the issue and seek guidance on necessary precautions. In the meantime, consider using an alternative water source, such as bottled water, until the asbestos issue is resolved. It is also advisable to consult with a professional water treatment specialist who can provide guidance on filtration systems or other appropriate methods to remove asbestos from your drinking water.


How to Remove Asbestos from Drinking Water


Removing asbestos from drinking water requires careful consideration and expertise. Different treatment methods can be employed, such as activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, or coagulation and sedimentation. The choice of method depends on the concentration of asbestos fibres and the specific characteristics of the water supply. It is crucial to consult with professionals in the field such as Consulo Compliance to determine the most effective and safe approach to remove asbestos from your drinking water.


The Importance of Public Awareness and Education on Asbestos in Drinking Water


Public awareness and education play a vital role in addressing the hidden threat of asbestos in drinking water. By raising awareness about the potential risks and providing information on preventive measures, individuals can make informed decisions to protect themselves and their families. Water authorities, health organizations, and community leaders should collaborate to disseminate accurate information and promote proactive measures to ensure safe drinking water.


Government Initiatives and Regulations to Ensure Safe Drinking Water


The government have a crucial role in ensuring the provision of safe drinking water to their citizens. Implementing stringent regulations and monitoring programs can help identify and address asbestos contamination in the water supply. Investing in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance also plays a vital role in preventing asbestos release into drinking water. By prioritising public health and safety, the government can contribute to minimising the risks associated with asbestos exposure through drinking water.


How to Protect Yourself from Asbestos in Drinking Water


While it is primarily the responsibility of authorities to ensure safe drinking water, individuals can take steps to protect themselves from asbestos exposure. Having your property surveyed by a professional asbestos management provider such as Consulo Compliance can help identify potential sources where asbestos fibre could enter the drinking water system within your property.


Also, using certified water filters or treatment systems that are specifically designed to remove asbestos can provide an additional layer of protection. Regularly maintaining and replacing filtration systems is crucial to ensure their effectiveness. Staying informed, following local water quality reports, and being proactive in addressing any concerns are also essential in safeguarding against asbestos in drinking water.


Conclusion: Taking Action to Protect Yourself from Asbestos in Drinking Water


The presence of asbestos in drinking water is a hidden threat that requires attention and action. Understanding the serious health effects of asbestos exposure, the potential risks of asbestos-contaminated drinking water, and the importance of regular monitoring are crucial steps in addressing this issue.


By working together, raising awareness, and advocating for safe drinking water, we can protect ourselves and future generations from the hidden threat of asbestos in our water supply.



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by Adam Fox 9 April 2025
Asbestos and the Circular Economy: Why It's Time to Stop Burying the Problem Twenty-five years after asbestos was banned in the UK, we’re still digging a hole—literally and metaphorically. Every day, across the country, asbestos waste is double-bagged, labelled, loaded into skips, and driven to landfill, where it will sit indefinitely, taking up valuable space, creating ongoing liability, and adding to our already bloated environmental burden. And yet, 2025 presents a different path. A smarter one. One that replaces disposal with repurposing, and turns a dangerous waste product into a useful, circular resource. The technology exists. So the question we should be asking isn’t “Can we recycle asbestos?” It’s “Why the hell aren’t we doing it already?” Landfill is Failing Us—But We’re Still Relying On It Let’s start with the basics. There are still over 1.5 million buildings in the UK that contain asbestos, most of them now approaching the end of their useful life. As these structures age or undergo refurbishment, the volume of asbestos waste is only going to increase. Right now, we handle that waste the same way we did decades ago: • Identify it • Remove it (usually under fully controlled conditions) • Seal it in heavy-duty plastic • Drive it to landfill • Bury it • Forget about it Except we don’t forget, do we? Because landfill space is running out. Disposal costs are going up. And the environmental cost? We’re only just starting to count it. There’s a Better Way—and It Already Works Here’s what most duty holders don’t realise: We no longer have to bury asbestos. Thanks to recent advances in thermal treatment technology, we now have a method that can safely denature asbestos, breaking down its fibrous structure and rendering it harmless. Companies like Thermal Recycling in the UK are already proving this is not science fiction. They’re using high temperatures to transform asbestos cement products—like corrugated roofing sheets—into an inert ceramic material that’s completely safe. But here's the best bit: That material isn’t just neutral. It’s useful. It can be crushed and graded into aggregate, which can be used in road construction, paving, and concrete mixes. Instead of creating a waste burden for the next generation, we’re creating a valuable, low-carbon building material. Why Aggregate Matters in the Carbon Equation The production of virgin aggregates—through mining and quarrying—is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. It contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions and destroys natural landscapes. So by replacing some of that demand with recycled aggregate from denatured asbestos, we: • Cut carbon emissions • Reduce dependence on extraction • Shrink the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects • Extend the life of quarries and reduce waste tonnage That’s not just a win for waste management. That’s a win for the entire construction supply chain. And yet most people in the industry don’t even know it’s possible. Why Are We Still Burying What Could Be Reused? As someone who’s worked in asbestos compliance for over 20 years—and now helps business leaders manage risk more intelligently—I’ve seen the same patterns play out time and time again: • “We’ll just do what we’ve always done.” • “This project’s tight on budget—landfill’s cheaper, right?” • “We’re just following the usual route—it’s less risky.” Let’s be honest. That mindset is outdated, short-sighted, and lazy. Cost may always be a factor, but the belief that landfill is “cheaper” needs to be challenged. Once you factor in: • Long-term environmental costs • Reputational risk • Rising disposal fees • And the public pressure for sustainable practices Thermal recycling is already starting to make sense. Especially when the output is something usable, not something buried. Licensed Contractors: You Don’t Get a Free Pass Either This isn’t just about clients or duty holders. Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARC’s) have a moral obligation here too. And I say that not from a place of opinion—but from first-hand experience, day in and day out for over two decades. Too often, LARCs put profits over progress. They default to landfill because it’s faster, easier to price up, and keeps their margins clean. They know the alternatives exist—but they don’t explore them, let alone offer them to their clients. When you hold a licence from the HSE, you’re not just a business—you’re a guardian of public health. That comes with responsibility. Choosing the most sustainable, forward-thinking disposal route should be part of that. Especially when the technology is available, proven, and legal. It’s time for the industry to stop hiding behind what’s convenient and start leading from the front. A Moral Obligation for Everyone Involved Whether you’re a: • Local authority managing public buildings • Developer under pressure to go green • Commercial landlord looking to reduce liability • Or a licensed contractor with influence over disposal routes —you have a responsibility to look beyond the cheapest or fastest option. If there’s a proven, safe, and more sustainable way to manage asbestos, you have a duty to understand it before choosing to ignore it. Because let’s be honest: “We didn’t know” isn’t going to wash when the public starts asking why we’re still filling landfill sites with a problem we already have the technology to eliminate. So What Can You Do Differently? No one’s asking you to overhaul your entire waste strategy overnight. But you can—and should—start asking better questions: • “Is landfill our only option here?” • “Could this waste stream be recycled instead of buried?” • “What suppliers, contractors, or experts do we know who can help us explore this?” You don’t have to be a global pioneer. But if you’re in a position of responsibility, you should at least be aware that the old way isn’t the only way anymore. Final Thought: The Future Is Circular—Whether You Join In or Not Asbestos will be with us for decades to come. That’s a fact. But how we handle it—and whether we choose to keep repeating the past or do something smarter—is up to us. Thermal recycling and other denaturing technologies offer a rare opportunity to do something that actually moves the industry forward. Not just ticking the compliance box. Not just burying the problem. But solving it—and turning it into something useful in the process. If you’re involved in asbestos management in even the slightest way, ask yourself this: Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
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