Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Paragraph: 179
We were dismayed to learn that some water companies have been slow to respond to...
Conclusion
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 network. Given the overwhelming public concern about water quality in rivers in England, greater transparency in this respect should become the norm. We welcome the commitments on improved transparency which we received directly from the chief executives of several water companies.
Paragraph Reference:
179
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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 storm overflows. The outcomes we expect water companies to meet on storm overflows will be set out in the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan. The ambitious targets being consulted on will eliminate ecological harm from storm overflow discharges and water companies will be expected to bring forward plans to achieve these targets as part of their Drainage and Sewerage Management Plans. Water companies should set out how they will improve the performance of their drainage system, including reducing discharges, through drainage and wastewater management plans as required by the Environment Act 2021.