Water Quality in Rivers
Environmental Audit Committee
Closed
Inquiry
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is holding an inquiry into water quality in rivers. The EAC has previously inquired into nitrate pollution so this inquiry intends to focus on the water industry and urban diffuse pollution. For more information about this inquiry read the call for evidence . Read the …
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37
Recommendations
45
Conclusions
1
Report
6
Oral sessions
15
Letters
6
Events
Activity timeline 29 events
23 Oct
2023
2023
22 Sep
2022
2022
16 May
2022
2022
13 Jan
2022
2022
Report published
6 Jan
2022
2022
6 Jan
2022
2022
25 Nov
2021
2021
25 Nov
2021
2021
4 Nov
2021
2021
4 Nov
2021
2021
26 Oct
2021
2021
Oral evidence sessions 6 sessions
13 Oct 2021
View on parliament.uk
Heidi Mottram CBE · Northumbrian Water
Ian McAulay · Southern Water
Liv Garfield · Severn Trent Water
Sarah Bentley · Thames Water
Susan Davy · South West Water
15 Sep 2021
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Kirstin Green · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Rebecca Pow · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Richard Bramley · National Farmers Union (NFU)
Simon Gallagher · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Susan Twining · CLA (Country Land and Business Association)
23 Jun 2021
View on parliament.uk
Panel 1
David Black · Ofwat
Nick Harris · National Highways
Sir James Bevan · Environment Agency
26 May 2021
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Alastair Chisholm · Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management
Bronwyn Buntine · Kent Council
Daniel Johns · Anglian Water Services Ltd
Ian Titherington · Cardiff Council
Jo Bradley · Stormwater Shepherds
Lila Thompson · British Water
21 Apr 2021
View on parliament.uk
Panel 1; Panel 2
Feargal Sharkey · Amwell Magna Fishery
Jane Nickerson · Swim England
Mr Ben Seal · British Canoeing
Pete Lloyd · Environment Agency
Professor Peter Hammond · University College London (UCL)
Professor Rebecca Malby · Ilkley Clean River Group
10 Mar 2021
View on parliament.uk
Panel 1; Panel 2
Amy Slack · Surfers against Sewage
Dr Michelle Jackson · Oxford University
Dr Rob Collins · The Rivers Trust
Guy Linley-Adams · Salmon and Trout Conservation
Professor Nigel Watson · Lancaster University
Professor Steve Ormerod · Cardiff University
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth Report - Water quality in rivers | HC 74 | 13 Jan 2022 | 82 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
82 results
1
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Improving the quality of the water in rivers in England should be considered a principal...
Improving the quality of the water in rivers in England should be considered a principal objective through which the Government and public bodies can deliver on the legally binding duty, established in the Environment Act 2021, to halt the decline …
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Government Response
The Government agrees with this recommendation. We know that our historic target to halt the decline in species by 2030 will not be achieved without action to improve water quality …
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2
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
A ‘chemical cocktail’ of sewage, agricultural waste, plastic and persistent chemicals is polluting rivers.
A ‘chemical cocktail’ of sewage, agricultural waste, plastic and persistent chemicals is polluting rivers. River water quality has improved by some measures in recent decades, but in others it appears to be getting worse. The establishment of a complete overview …
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Government Response
The Government is already taking action through research projects as part of the Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment to confirm suitable monitoring and assessment methodologies for water quality, sediment and ground …
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3
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Poor monitoring arrangements mean that river users cannot currently make informed decisions about when it...
Poor monitoring arrangements mean that river users cannot currently make informed decisions about when it is safe or not to use rivers. The prevalence of plastic pollution, the presence of persistent chemicals and spread of antimicrobial resistant pathogens in rivers …
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Government Response
The Government agrees with the need for urgency in taking action to protect and recover endangered species. With regards to threatened salmon populations, we have been working to build the …
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4
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The current range of pollutants being monitored is too narrow.
The current range of pollutants being monitored is too narrow. The Environment Agency must begin work to extend the number of substances it is regularly monitoring in rivers. Existing datasets do not provide a comprehensive picture of risks to human …
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Government Response
The Government agrees that engaging stakeholders on antimicrobial resistance in the environment will be a valuable step following the Pathogen Surveillance in Agriculture, Food and the Environment programme. We are …
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5
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs commission, in...
We recommend that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs commission, in conjunction with the devolved administrations, a UK-wide survey of emerging pollutants and microplastic pollution of river environments, including an assessment of their potential impact on …
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6
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Wild salmon are iconic and important species.
Wild salmon are iconic and important species. It should ring alarm bells that wild salmon are classed as ‘at risk’ or ‘probably at risk’ in almost every river in England they traverse. Protecting rivers where important species such as the …
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Government Response
Anyone, including water companies, can apply for a new bathing water designation and the Government then considers those applications. We encourage applications for new bathing water designations annually and are …
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7
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We have heard disturbing evidence that sewage treatment works and the rivers that they discharge...
We have heard disturbing evidence that sewage treatment works and the rivers that they discharge into are becoming breeding grounds for antimicrobial resistance. There will need to be cross-sector collaboration to reduce the growth of antimicrobial resistance genes in rivers. …
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Government Response
improved. The Government is already working closely with the Environment Agency, the Storm Overflows Taskforce and the water industry on relevant proposals to enable this and ensure accountability. Water companies …
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8
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We welcome the Environment Act’s inclusion of a requirement on water companies to reduce the...
We welcome the Environment Act’s inclusion of a requirement on water companies to reduce the impact on public health of sewage discharges. We recommend that this includes consideration of antimicrobial resistance.
9
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Every community in the country should have access to waters—whether coastal or inland—that are safe...
Every community in the country should have access to waters—whether coastal or inland—that are safe for people to swim in without running the risk of falling ill. Regulators and water companies have made a great deal of progress since the …
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Government Response
take positive action to improve water quality. Many of the actions that environmental land management schemes will incentivise will help reduce all major forms of pollution, including faecal pollution and …
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10
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that the Government actively encourage the designation of at least one widely used...
We recommend that the Government actively encourage the designation of at least one widely used stretch of river for bathing in each water company area by 2025 at the latest. In their Business Plans for Ofwat’s Price Review 24, each …
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11
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Most river users cannot currently make informed decisions about when it is safe or not...
Most river users cannot currently make informed decisions about when it is safe or not to use rivers downstream of storm overflows and wastewater treatment works. We recommend as a matter of urgency that the Environment Agency work with water …
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12
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
When deciding on areas for designation, the costs and benefits for local stakeholders should be...
When deciding on areas for designation, the costs and benefits for local stakeholders should be carefully assessed, with consideration given to the potential impact on land adjacent to bathing waters. We recommend that DEFRA ensure its Environmental Land Management Scheme …
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13
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Designation of stretches of river as bathing waters will help to drive coordinated action to...
Designation of stretches of river as bathing waters will help to drive coordinated action to improve water quality: but achieving rivers safe to swim in is only one aspect of securing an overall improvement in water quality. Designation of bathing …
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Government Response
The Government agrees that minimum standards for mitigating water pollution from agriculture should evolve over time to improve water quality by reflecting best farming practice, technological innovation and the needs …
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14
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Intensive livestock and poultry farming appears to be putting enormous pressure on particular catchments, such...
Intensive livestock and poultry farming appears to be putting enormous pressure on particular catchments, such as those feeding the river Wye running through Wales and the south-west Midlands. The number of chickens being reared there appears Water quality in rivers …
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Government Response
The Government is committed, in the Agricultural Transition Plan, to make funding available for farmers to improve their slurry infrastructure (including storage and covers) from autumn 2022. We are currently …
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15
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Development of catchment sensitive farming will require calculations of the overall nitrogen and phosphorous load...
Development of catchment sensitive farming will require calculations of the overall nitrogen and phosphorous load for farmland and river catchments. We therefore recommend that DEFRA commission a periodic (five yearly) appraisal of catchment-wide nutrient flows across each of the major …
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Government Response
The chemical complexity of incoming sewage has changed in recent years, and work is already underway to improve our understanding of the emerging risks. The ‘UK Water Industry Research Source …
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16
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We further recommend that planning authorities in England establish a presumption against granting planning permission...
We further recommend that planning authorities in England establish a presumption against granting planning permission for new intensive poultry or other intensive livestock units in catchments where the proposed development would exceed the catchment’s nutrient budget, unless evidence is presented …
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17
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The agricultural sector has a responsibility for improving water quality in rivers, just as the...
The agricultural sector has a responsibility for improving water quality in rivers, just as the water industry and other stakeholders do. The Farming Rules for Water ought to be amended over time so as to reduce phosphorus surpluses in land …
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Government Response
As part of the Improving Water Company Performance Taskforce, the Environment Agency is currently developing systems to analyse the data generated by Event Duration Monitors (EDMs) and establishing techniques to …
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18
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
In order to drive down further the excess levels of phosphate and nitrates on agricultural...
In order to drive down further the excess levels of phosphate and nitrates on agricultural land, annual chemical assessments will be required. Where appropriate, farmers ought to be supported to assess the existing phosphorus and nitrogen status of their land …
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Government Response
The water industry is required, under the Environment Act, to install continuous monitors upstream and downstream of all its sewage discharges. The Environment Agency will supplement this with their ongoing …
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19
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that the Environment Agency work with DEFRA to intensify its work in the...
We recommend that the Environment Agency work with DEFRA to intensify its work in the inspection and, where necessary, remediation of large animal slurry stores. Where remediation is required, funding from the Slurry Investment Fund should be made available to …
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20
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The sewage sludge currently spread on agricultural land contains microplastics which have been caught in...
The sewage sludge currently spread on agricultural land contains microplastics which have been caught in the wastewater treatment process. It may also contain e-coli, antibiotics, biocides, persistent chemical pollutants and pharmaceuticals. This practice appears to be the principal means of …
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21
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that the water industry work urgently with the Environment Agency and the farming...
We recommend that the water industry work urgently with the Environment Agency and the farming sector to assess and mitigate the clear risk of microplastic pollution from this practice, and to develop a comprehensive plan for the separation of microplastics …
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22
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The public are rightly shocked when they discover that untreated or partially treated sewage is...
The public are rightly shocked when they discover that untreated or partially treated sewage is regularly dumped into rivers and streams in England. We have heard that the rainwater washing into storm sewers can contain microplastics, industrial chemicals and hydrocarbons. …
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Government Response
The Government agrees with this recommendation. The Environment Agency already records storm overflows operating in dry weather as pollution incidents.
23
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We therefore found the claim made by the chief executive of Severn Trent that its...
We therefore found the claim made by the chief executive of Severn Trent that its sewer overflow discharges were ‘pretty much already rainwater’ to be disingenuous. As water companies do not routinely test the quality of the discharges from storm …
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Government Response
The Government agrees with this recommendation. The Environment Agency is currently reviewing its practices in the auditing of self-monitoring of wastewater treatment works by water companies through the Improving Water …
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24
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Independent analysis of publicly available monitoring data, using machine learning techniques, has produced insights into...
Independent analysis of publicly available monitoring data, using machine learning techniques, has produced insights into the performance of the sewerage network which appears to have been beyond the current capacity of the Environment Agency to achieve, let alone water companies. …
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Government Response
The independent Sentencing Council will consider the recommendation in due course. Any changes to sentencing guidelines would be subject to public consultation.
25
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that the Environment Agency either develop the in-house capacity or tender for external...
We recommend that the Environment Agency either develop the in-house capacity or tender for external assistance necessary for the analysis of the volume of data generated by EDMs and for the establishment of techniques to identify discharges which are likely …
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26
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The technology for continuous monitoring of water quality is evolving rapidly.
The technology for continuous monitoring of water quality is evolving rapidly. We recommend that the Environment Agency invite manufacturers to submit products for evaluation so that the Agency can rapidly introduce cost-efficient and effective sensors at an increased number of …
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27
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We note with concern the evidence we have received which suggests that Environment Agency sampling...
We note with concern the evidence we have received which suggests that Environment Agency sampling practice at wastewater treatment works may not adequately take into account regular variations in the composition of effluent. (Paragraph 171) Water quality in rivers 123
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Government Response
In the Strategic Policy Statement for Ofwat, the Government has made clear its expectation that Ofwat will support an increase in the use of nature-based solutions where appropriate and act …
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28
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We welcome the statutory provisions in the Environment Act 2021 to monitor water quality upstream...
We welcome the statutory provisions in the Environment Act 2021 to monitor water quality upstream and downstream of sewer outflows, and for annual reporting on storm overflow discharges. We also welcome the requirement for water companies to report on the …
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Government Response
The Government agrees with this recommendation. Ofwat is legally accountable to Parliament and therefore the Government accepts that the committee can invite the regulator to discuss progress against the Strategic …
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29
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that water companies take immediate steps to install volume monitors at all points...
We recommend that water companies take immediate steps to install volume monitors at all points where overflows may discharge from their sewerage networks, so as to provide continuous real-time monitoring of the volume of discharges consistent with the provisions of …
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30
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We were dismayed to learn that some water companies have been slow to respond to...
We were dismayed to learn that some water companies have been slow to respond to formal requests by campaigners and citizen scientists under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 to secure information about EDM use and permit conditions on the sewerage …
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Government Response
The Government welcomes this recommendation. The Strategic Policy Statement makes clear that the current number of discharges is unacceptable and water companies must significantly reduce the discharge of sewage from …
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31
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The statutory requirements on monitoring and transparency introduced by the Environment Act 2021 establish a...
The statutory requirements on monitoring and transparency introduced by the Environment Act 2021 establish a welcome baseline. There is nevertheless scope to improve the nature of data which water companies collect about the operation of their sewerage networks, and to …
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32
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The water industry has failed to achieve the target, set by the Environment Agency, of...
The water industry has failed to achieve the target, set by the Environment Agency, of a 50% reduction in serious pollution incidents from their 2012 level by 2020. This is not an acceptable position.
Government Response
when incorrectly flushed away. As a result, we launched a call for evidence on problematic plastic items, which included questions exploring options to tackle the issues caused by wet wipes. …
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33
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that Ofwat require water companies, as a condition of their continued licensing, to...
We recommend that Ofwat require water companies, as a condition of their continued licensing, to deliver year-on-year reductions in the number of pollution incidents, with a target of zero serious incidents by 2030.
34
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We nevertheless welcome the reductions in serious pollution incidents which water companies have achieved and...
We nevertheless welcome the reductions in serious pollution incidents which water companies have achieved and which the Environment Agency has acknowledged.
Government Response
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) co-design the targets with ‘Textiles 2030’ members. The Microfibre Consortium is a signatory to the initiative and WRAP are working with them on …
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35
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We note that the Environment Agency does not consider any use of storm overflows to...
We note that the Environment Agency does not consider any use of storm overflows to be a pollution incident: discharges from overflows are classed as permitted discharges as long as they comply with the terms of the relevant permit. This …
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36
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Public confidence in the regulatory structures currently in force is understandably low.
Public confidence in the regulatory structures currently in force is understandably low. It is vital that the public can trust regulators to ensure that high levels of water quality in rivers are achieved and maintained.
Government Response
The Department for Transport and National Highways agree that the mitigation of high risk outfalls will support Government objectives to halt species decline. National Highways take a risk based approach …
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37
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We have identified multiple potential points of failure in the regulatory arrangements for monitoring, governance...
We have identified multiple potential points of failure in the regulatory arrangements for monitoring, governance and enforcement of water quality. The Southern Water case has given rise to obvious and urgent questions about the system of operator self- monitoring and …
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Government Response
The Government does not agree that permitting is normally an appropriate risk management response for highway drains. The systems that are put in place to mitigate highway drains are passive …
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38
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We welcome the investigation recently launched by the Environment Agency and Ofwat into permit compliance...
We welcome the investigation recently launched by the Environment Agency and Ofwat into permit compliance at sewage treatment works, following evidence presented to us indicating that the numbers of permit breaches may be far higher than disclosed by water companies …
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Government Response
The Government is currently conducting a review which covers these points, to inform a consultation in due course.
39
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that the Environment Agency urgently review its practices in auditing the self-monitoring of...
We recommend that the Environment Agency urgently review its practices in auditing the self-monitoring of wastewater treatment works by water companies. The Agency should also review its approach to enforcement and seek to reduce the interval between detection of permit …
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40
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We further recommend that, in the interests of promoting public confidence in the criminal justice...
We further recommend that, in the interests of promoting public confidence in the criminal justice system and reducing the likelihood of reoffending, the Sentencing Council review the sentencing guidelines for water pollution offences. In our view, penalties for such offences …
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41
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that Ofwat examine the scope of its existing powers in respect of water...
We recommend that Ofwat examine the scope of its existing powers in respect of water company remuneration, with a view to limiting the awards of significant annual bonuses to water company senior executives in the event of major or persistent …
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42
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
It is clear that there are no quick fixes to decades of under-investment in the...
It is clear that there are no quick fixes to decades of under-investment in the sewerage network in England. Successive administrations, water companies and regulators have grown complacent and have sometimes appeared resigned to maintaining the antiquated practice of dumping …
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Government Response
The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) is an independent statutory environmental body that holds Government and public authorities to account for their implementation of environmental law. Within the framework of …
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43
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Ofwat’s regulatory approach to date appears to have placed insufficient emphasis on facilitating the investment...
Ofwat’s regulatory approach to date appears to have placed insufficient emphasis on facilitating the investment necessary to ensure that the sewerage system in England is fit for the challenges of the 21st century, and able to cope with housing growth …
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Government Response
Government supports the use of natural capital in decision making, as set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan. We accept that Ofwat should take natural capital into account in …
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44
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The Secretary of State has the opportunity to set strategic direction for Ofwat.
The Secretary of State has the opportunity to set strategic direction for Ofwat. Now is the time for the Government to act in encouraging Ofwat to increase materially the proportion of each company’s capital investment devoted to improving water quality.
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Government Response
. decision making. Ofwat will strive to reflect a natural capital approach in their decision making for the next Price Review (PR24). Water companies will need to provide high quality …
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45
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that Ofwat prioritise the long-term investment in wastewater assets as an essential outcome...
We recommend that Ofwat prioritise the long-term investment in wastewater assets as an essential outcome of its price review process. We further recommend that Ofwat incentivise the use of nature-based solutions in wastewater management, including ongoing funding for maintenance and …
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46
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We intend to invite the regulator to appear before this Committee routinely to discuss Ofwat’s...
We intend to invite the regulator to appear before this Committee routinely to discuss Ofwat’s progress against the objectives of the new Strategic Policy Statement for the regulator which is shortly to be published by Ministers.
Government Response
Through the Comprehensive Spending Review in November 2021 and subsequent budget determination process, Defra has reviewed the Environment Agency’s Grant-in-Aid water quality budget. The department has made significant increases to …
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47
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The Government acknowledges that reductions in discharges from the sewerage network will require significant investment...
The Government acknowledges that reductions in discharges from the sewerage network will require significant investment across the water estate. The price estimate made by the Storm Overflows Taskforce of the cost of full separation of the entire sewerage network should …
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Government Response
Defra and HM Treasury are engaging in discussions in 2022 about reviewing the Environment Agency’s ability to recover costs through charges for permits and related activities.
48
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
There is nevertheless no reason not to seek rapid and sustained action towards achieving the...
There is nevertheless no reason not to seek rapid and sustained action towards achieving the Act’s requirement for progressive reductions in discharges, through incorporating capital projects into a whole-systems approach which seeks to reduce the overall pressures being placed on …
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49
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We welcome the duty which the Environment Act 2021 places on water companies in England...
We welcome the duty which the Environment Act 2021 places on water companies in England to secure a progressive reduction in the adverse impact of discharges from their storm overflows. This is a positive first step towards cleaning up the …
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Government Response
The Government agrees with the intention behind this recommendation and ensuring action is both collective, targeted and proportionate across catchments to address the range of pressures. Much of the detailed …
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50
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that Ministers and the Environment Agency should set challenging improvement targets and timetables...
We recommend that Ministers and the Environment Agency should set challenging improvement targets and timetables for this progressive reduction to inform the drainage and sewage management plans to be drawn up by each water company. The first round of these …
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51
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Fats, oils and greases and cleaning and hygiene products containing plastic are causing huge problems...
Fats, oils and greases and cleaning and hygiene products containing plastic are causing huge problems for drainage systems when they are poured away in sinks or flushed down the toilet. The disposal of FOG by takeaways and other food service …
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Government Response
We agree that citizen science can play an important role, including in assisting the Environment Agency with monitoring, particularly through Catchment Partnerships. drive a move towards the design of new …
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52
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The water and grease management industry must develop standards for the sectors which use FOG...
The water and grease management industry must develop standards for the sectors which use FOG routinely to collect and dispose of such responsibly without it entering the drainage network. We further recommend that Ministers work with the water industry to …
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53
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Wet wipes and other ‘unflushables’ are a major constituent of sewer blockages.
Wet wipes and other ‘unflushables’ are a major constituent of sewer blockages. Many householders are unaware that flushing anything other than the ‘3Ps’ (‘pee, poo and paper’) risks blocking sewers and could lead to a pollution incident. Better product labelling, …
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Government Response
The Guiding Principles for Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans, published in February 2022, require water companies to work collaboratively with other Risk Management Authorities in developing solutions to drainage issues.
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54
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The use of plastic in single use sanitary products should be prohibited, with exemptions only...
The use of plastic in single use sanitary products should be prohibited, with exemptions only provided for medical requirements. We urge the Government to adopt the measures outlined in the Plastics (Wet Wipes) Bill to prohibit the manufacture and sale …
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55
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Tyre, motor vehicle and fashion manufacturers, among many others, must take greater responsibility for the...
Tyre, motor vehicle and fashion manufacturers, among many others, must take greater responsibility for the contribution their products make to microplastic pollution in waterways. We recommend that Ministers examine how the proposed Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for tyre manufacturers could …
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56
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Highways authorities at the national and local level must place a greater priority on preventing...
Highways authorities at the national and local level must place a greater priority on preventing pollution from the strategic road network and from major roads maintained by local authorities in England. Solutions are available. These need to be rolled out …
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Government Response
The Department for Transport and National Highways agree that a level of increased ambition and delivery in this area should be supported and we will examine the feasibility of using …
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57
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
National Highways mitigated risks of pollution from 23 drainage points in 2020/21.
National Highways mitigated risks of pollution from 23 drainage points in 2020/21. At this rate it will take over 55 years to address the 1,326 outfalls and soakaways it has identified as high risk, not to mention the thousands of …
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Government Response
The Department for Transport and National Highways agree that a level of increased ambition and delivery in this area should be supported and we will examine the feasibility of using …
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58
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that National Highways accelerate its programme of installation of improvements to highways drainage...
We recommend that National Highways accelerate its programme of installation of improvements to highways drainage in England, particularly at the 1,326 outfalls and soakaways considered to be high risk, to capture and filter polluting run-off before it enters watercourses and …
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59
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that National Highways devote a greater proportion of its environmental budget to the...
We recommend that National Highways devote a greater proportion of its environmental budget to the mitigation of outfalls and set a target of eliminating pollution from those outfalls most at risk by 2030, in line with the Government’s commitments to …
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60
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We are disappointed by the apparent lack of regulatory oversight of the risks of water...
We are disappointed by the apparent lack of regulatory oversight of the risks of water pollution from road run-off. We therefore recommend that the Environment Agency require discharge permits for all outfalls on roads with annual average daily traffic above …
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Government Response
The Government does not agree that permitting is normally an appropriate risk management response for highway drains. The systems that are put in place to mitigate highway drains are passive …
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61
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We welcome the announcement that Ministers are to review whether Schedule 3 to the Flood...
We welcome the announcement that Ministers are to review whether Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 is to be implemented in England. Implementation would end the current automatic right to connect to sewerage systems, and mitigate …
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Government Response
The Government is currently conducting a review which covers these points, to inform a consultation in due course.
62
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that the review consider the optimum arrangements for maintenance and adoption of sustainable...
We recommend that the review consider the optimum arrangements for maintenance and adoption of sustainable drainage systems, and that it should propose an end to the automatic right to connect to the sewer in new developments as soon as possible …
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63
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We further recommend that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities update its planning...
We further recommend that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities update its planning practice guidance on sustainable drainage to ensure that sustainable drainage schemes are considered in all developments, including improvements under permitted development rights, and that it …
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64
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We further recommend that Non-Statutory SuDS Standards should be improved, taking into account the findings...
We further recommend that Non-Statutory SuDS Standards should be improved, taking into account the findings of the DEFRA review, so as to include water quality alongside other wider benefits, and should be made mandatory.
65
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
New housing developments must be used to set the standard for the sustainable sewerage networks...
New housing developments must be used to set the standard for the sustainable sewerage networks required in the 21st century. It is unacceptable for developers to increase the pressure on overloaded combined sewerage systems and not to contribute to improvements. …
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66
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The new Office for Environmental Protection, established under the Environment Act 2021, is empowered to...
The new Office for Environmental Protection, established under the Environment Act 2021, is empowered to make highly significant contributions to the achievement 128 Water quality in rivers of the Government’s environmental objectives in general, and to the improvement of water …
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Government Response
The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) is an independent statutory environmental body that holds Government and public authorities to account for their implementation of environmental law. Within the framework of …
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67
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
In the Committee’s recent report on biodiversity in the UK we argued that action to...
In the Committee’s recent report on biodiversity in the UK we argued that action to protect biodiversity needed to be stepped up in scale, ambition, pace, and detail. Our conclusions from this inquiry show that this step change in approach …
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Government Response
The Government agrees with this recommendation. We know that our historic target to halt the decline in species by 2030 will not be achieved without action to improve water quality …
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68
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Changes in regulatory action, cross-catchment collaboration and water company investment are urgently required to restore...
Changes in regulatory action, cross-catchment collaboration and water company investment are urgently required to restore rivers to good ecological health, protect biodiversity and adapt to a changing climate. We expect to see far more assertive regulation and enforcement from Ofwat …
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Government Response
The Government welcomes the Environmental Audit Committee’s report titled Water Quality in Rivers, published on 13 January 2022. We are grateful to the committee for their conclusions and recommendations, and …
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69
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The value of biodiversity in rivers in England does not appear to have been priced...
The value of biodiversity in rivers in England does not appear to have been priced adequately into the economic decisions made by companies and by regulatory agencies. If it is to meet the Environment Act’s legally binding target to halt …
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70
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
The biodiversity crisis requires public agencies, regulators and water companies to adopt new decision-making methodologies.
The biodiversity crisis requires public agencies, regulators and water companies to adopt new decision-making methodologies. The idea, for instance, that pollution can be tolerated in areas with low ‘amenity value’ belongs to a different era. Pollution of rivers must be …
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Government Response
The Government welcomes the Environmental Audit Committee’s report titled Water Quality in Rivers, published on 13 January 2022. We are grateful to the committee for their conclusions and recommendations, and …
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71
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Ofwat’s economic regulation of the sector through previous price reviews does not appear to have...
Ofwat’s economic regulation of the sector through previous price reviews does not appear to have given sufficient priority to the preservation of natural capital. We recommend that, when it publishes its review methodology in 2022, Ofwat set out how it …
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72
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Delivering the step change in action on water quality that is demanded will require DEFRA...
Delivering the step change in action on water quality that is demanded will require DEFRA to set a strong strategic direction and clear targets. Regulators must be empowered and funded adequately to implement and enforce the relevant provisions of the …
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Government Response
Through the Comprehensive Spending Review in November 2021 and subsequent budget determination process, Defra has reviewed the Environment Agency’s Grant-in-Aid water quality budget. The department has made significant increases to …
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73
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
We recommend that the level of financial support provided to the Environment Agency be reviewed...
We recommend that the level of financial support provided to the Environment Agency be reviewed as a matter of urgency in the light of its new statutory responsibilities and the scale of the regulatory task it faces, recognising its continued …
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74
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Responsibility for improving water quality in rivers cannot be laid solely at the door of...
Responsibility for improving water quality in rivers cannot be laid solely at the door of the water industry. The project to restore all rivers in England to good health will require the engagement and collaboration of a wide range of …
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Government Response
The Government welcomes the Environmental Audit Committee’s report titled Water Quality in Rivers, published on 13 January 2022. We are grateful to the committee for their conclusions and recommendations, and …
Read more
75
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Local authorities have a key role to play in restoring rivers to good ecological status...
Local authorities have a key role to play in restoring rivers to good ecological status across the country. Their engagement in Catchment Based Approach partnerships is crucial, while their work on Local Nature Recovery Strategies must engage with the development …
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Government Response
The Government agrees with the intention behind this recommendation and ensuring action is both collective, targeted and proportionate across catchments to address the range of pressures. Much of the detailed …
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76
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Pollution across river catchments must be progressively reduced from all sources in the catchment until...
Pollution across river catchments must be progressively reduced from all sources in the catchment until it does not exceed the capacity of the land and the rivers to handle the nutrients. We therefore recommend that DEFRA direct the Environment Agency …
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Government Response
The Government agrees with the recommendation that incentivising and providing support for progressive action, such as through existing and future agri-environment schemes, is required to improve the condition of our …
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77
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Adequate support needs to be made available for farmers to achieve progressive reductions in those...
Adequate support needs to be made available for farmers to achieve progressive reductions in those nutrient inputs which risk negatively affecting water quality in a catchment, or to mitigate the risk. We recommend that DEFRA examine how the Environmental Land …
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78
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Policymakers across Government should aim to cultivate a culture of water citizenship to foster greater...
Policymakers across Government should aim to cultivate a culture of water citizenship to foster greater awareness and change behaviour that risks causing blockages in the sewer network and increasing levels of water pollution. Awareness of what should not be disposed …
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Government Response
We agree that citizen science can play an important role, including in assisting the Environment Agency with monitoring, particularly through Catchment Partnerships. Citizen science builds local awareness beyond that of …
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79
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Citizen science should not be seen as an alternative to adequately funded environmental monitoring by...
Citizen science should not be seen as an alternative to adequately funded environmental monitoring by regulators but it should be encouraged and recognised. We recommend that the Environment Agency explore how best to support the contribution of citizen science to …
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80
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
It is important that communities who engage in citizen science receive a meaningful response to...
It is important that communities who engage in citizen science receive a meaningful response to their work. We recommend that the Government consider whether a requirement should be placed on water companies to respond to citizen science research undertaken by …
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81
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Drainage and sewerage management plans, as currently conceived, appear to be the preserve of the...
Drainage and sewerage management plans, as currently conceived, appear to be the preserve of the water industry. For these plans to be successful they must be designed so as to ensure active and continued engagement with the full range of …
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Government Response
In 2020 the Government reviewed and made changes to partnership funding rules for flood grant in aid, promoting more nature-based solutions and surface water schemes such as sustainable drainage systems. …
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82
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Water quality in r…
Retrofitting urban areas with sustainable drainage systems can deliver multiple benefits in terms of nature...
Retrofitting urban areas with sustainable drainage systems can deliver multiple benefits in terms of nature recovery, air quality and flooding prevention. We recommend that Ministers review and, where appropriate, revise the criteria for the award of funds intended for flooding …
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Correspondence 15 letters
23 Oct 2023
To committee
Letter from the Chief Executive of Ofwat regarding their Water Company Performance Report 2022-23, dated 26 September
Parliament page
22 Sep 2022
To committee
Letter from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, relating to the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan, dated 26 August 2022
Parliament page
6 Jan 2022
To committee
Letter from the Leader of Chichester District Council, relating to the Water Quality in Rivers inquiry, dated 10 December 2021
Parliament page
6 Jan 2022
To committee
Letter from National Highways, relating to the Water Quality in Rivers inquiry, dated 15 December 2021
Parliament page
25 Nov 2021
To committee
Letter from the Wastewater Director of Northumbrian Water Limited, relating to the Water quality in rivers inquiry, dated 19 November 2021
Parliament page
25 Nov 2021
To committee
Letter from the Interim Chief Executive of Ofwat, relating to the Water quality in rivers inquiry, dated 18 November 2021
Parliament page
4 Nov 2021
To committee
Letter from the Northumbrian Water Chief Executive, relating to the 13 October Water quality in rivers evidence session, dated 22 October 2021
Parliament page
4 Nov 2021
To committee
Letter from the Severn Trent Plc Chief Executive, relating to the 13 October Water quality in rivers evidence session, dated 18 October 2021
Parliament page
26 Oct 2021
To committee
Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, concerning DEFRA's consultation on the draft Strategic Priority Statement for Ofwat, dated 21 October 2021
Parliament page
14 Oct 2021
To committee
Letter from the Leader of Herefordshire Council, concerning water quality in rivers, dated 5 October 2021
Parliament page
16 Sep 2021
To committee
Letter from the Minister of State for Housing, relating to the Water quality in rivers inquiry, dated 7 September 2021
Parliament page
9 Sep 2021
To committee
Letter from the Acting CEO of Highways England, relating to the Water quality in rivers inquiry, dated 13 August 2021
Parliament page
9 Sep 2021
To committee
Letter from the Environment Agency Chief Executive, relating to the Water quality in rivers inquiry, dated 1 September 2021
Parliament page
9 Sep 2021
To committee
Letter from the Interim Chief Executive of Ofwat, relating to the Water quality in rivers inquiry, dated 1 September 2021
Parliament page
21 Jul 2021
To committee
Letter from the Acting CEO of Highways England, relating to the Water quality in rivers inquiry, dated 12 July
Parliament page