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 to Sea’ microplastics study has provided valuable insight. The current water industry Chemical Investigations Programme report, due April 2022, will provide additional evidence, and we will be extending sludge investigations into chemicals and microplastics as part of the next round of water industry investment (following the next water industry Price Review). The Government is working with the Environment Agency on developing policies to ensure safe and sustainable sludge use by farmers and other businesses. This includes publication by the Environment Agency of its strategy for safe and sustainable sludge use. the risk of sewage sludge use on agricultural land, such as permitting. We are aware of the need to continue to monitor and address the risks posed by chemicals, microplastics and antimicrobial resistance in treated sludge which is spread to land.