Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Bathing Water Status: Rivers

09 November 2022 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Andrew Jones Con Harrogate and Knaresborough

NHSEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andrew Jones raised concerns about bathing water status: rivers in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Andrew Jones highlighted the need to improve water quality in the River Nidd to achieve bathing water status, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders.
  • Jones noted that Yorkshire has only one river with bathing water status and detailed challenges such as Victorian sewerage systems and modern pollution contributors like wet wipes.
  • The Minister, Trudy Harrison, acknowledged the efforts to clean water bodies and mentioned that over 2.5 billion has been invested since privatisation, resulting in the highest rate of clean bathing waters since the 1990s.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andrew Jones Con Harrogate and Knaresborough

Andrew Jones highlighted the importance of improving water quality in rivers to achieve bathing water status. He specifically advocated for the River Nidd at Lido Leisure Park in Knaresborough to be designated as a bathing water area. The speech detailed the river's course and its significance, noting that Yorkshire currently has only one river with bathing water status. Jones emphasised the need for local communities, businesses, Government agencies, local government, and national government to work together on this issue. He pointed out challenges such as Victorian sewerage systems, combined sewer overflows (CSOs), and modern issues like wet wipes contributing to blockages and pollution. The speech concluded by discussing legislative measures, such as the Environment Act 2021, which aims at transparency and enforcement against water companies.

Other contributors (2)
  • Robbie Moore Con Keighley

    Moore congratulated Jones for securing the debate. He highlighted his success in getting a stretch of the River Wharfe in Ilkley designated as a bathing water site and emphasised the importance of regular testing to ensure clean water status.

  • Nigel Evans Con Great Yarmouth

    Evans acknowledged Robbie Moore’s permission to speak and thanked Jones for his contribution.

Government Response

Trudy Harrison

The Minister, Trudy Harrison, praised the efforts of Members in championing clean water. She outlined the Government's commitment to improving the quality of lakes, rivers, and coastal areas through designated bathing waters which protect public health at popular swimming spots. Over £2.5 billion has been invested since privatisation, leading to the highest rate of clean bathing waters since 1990s standards were introduced. Harrison mentioned that in the past two years, the first river bathing water designations have been granted. She committed to reviewing and updating guidance for applicants seeking designation for rivers, emphasising the importance of community involvement. The Minister also addressed the issue of wet wipes causing sewer blockages, urging everyone to 'bin it, don’t flush it' and announced ongoing efforts to tackle this problem through legislation and enforcement. She concluded by reaffirming the Government’s pledge to hand over our planet in better condition for future generations.

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