DEFRA has published a summary of responses and the government’s response to its September - October 2017 consultation on updating the Drinking Water Regulations. The amended regulations are being finalised and will be laid in Parliament in June 2018.The changes will bring the regulations in line with the Drinking Water Directive. Source: Water quality: updating the public and private drinking water regulations
The Department has produced a code of practice for those who produce sewage sludge, and use it on agricultural land. The code sets out: the benefits and hazards of using sludge in agriculture; when and where you’re allowed to use sludge; the treatments you can use; what tests you must carry out; and how to protect the environment and avoid public nuisance. Source: Sewage sludge in agriculture: code of practice for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
DEFRA has also updated its single departmental plan, which sets out its objectives and how it will deliver them. Source: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs single departmental plan