EAC to check on progress since its 'Water quality in rivers' report

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is to take stock of progress since its Water quality in rivers report of 2022.

A new evidence session has been announced for 15 May. The Committee noted that several recommendations made in 2022 appear to have influenced government and regulator policy, but questions remain about the level of progress.

In its 2022 report, the Committee called for a step change in regulatory action, water company investment and cross-catchment collaboration. MPs also demanded far more assertive regulation and enforcement from Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Now the Committee plans to examine the following questions: 

• What are the priorities for water infrastructure investment? Is Ofwat facilitating adequate investment in improving water quality and water security? 

• How are water and sewage companies adapting to climate change?  

• What is being done to ensure the financial resilience of water companies?  

• How effective is Ofwat’s regulation of water companies and how are they working with the Environment Agency to assess compliance?  

• What progress has there been in urban planning and development in relation to water supply and treatment? 

• What is being done through the Sustainable Farming Incentive and other agricultural support mechanisms to help farmers to reduce pollution of waterways?  

• How can water companies and other industries be more transparent about their impact on water quality? 

• How effective are current sewage discharge monitoring systems and how will ‘real-time’ data on water quality in receiving waterbodies be monitored, published and used?  

• Is water quality at bathing sites being monitored and publicised effectively?  

• How far will new Government plans contribute to restoring the health of rivers? 
  

EAC chair Philip Dunne MP said: “With the end of the Parliament fast approaching, the Committee would like to take stock of the current position as the political parties put together their policy proposals on water for the electorate.

“I encourage any groups concerned about water quality and water infrastructure to submit written evidence, and I look forward to returning to a subject of such significance to me and the Committee and, increasingly, to the general public.”

• Last week, the EAC quizzed the Environment Agency’s chair Alan Lovell and chief executive Philip Duffy on the watchdog’s performance, with storm overflow and discharge permit regulation featuring specifically. This can be viewed here:  https://committees.parliament.uk/event/21348/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/