Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Discharge of Untreated Sewage

Thursday 23 June 2022 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The storm overflow discharge reduction plan will be published in September and informed by scientific research.
  • We are tackling the worst areas first-bathing waters and protected sites-and have a sound system in place.
  • The Environment Act, directions to Ofwat, and event duration monitoring by 2023 are part of the system in place.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mohammad Yasin Lab Bedford
Environment
Context

The Environmental Audit Committee recommended a progressive timetable to reduce storm overflows, but the current plan allows for significant ongoing discharges until 2040. This is unacceptable to constituents who demand cleaner waterways.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure untreated sewage is not discharged into rivers and inland waters? The Environmental Audit Committee recommended a progressive timetable to reduce storm overflows, but the current plan allows for significant ongoing discharges until 2040. This is unacceptable to constituents who demand cleaner waterways.

Answer from Rebecca Pow

The storm overflow discharge reduction plan will be published in September and informed by scientific research. We are tackling the worst areas first—bathing waters and protected sites—and we have a sound system to deal with this once and for all, while being mindful of costs on water bills.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to 100% sewage outflows not causing ecological harm by 2030

How: Referring To Cost Implications

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Q2 Mohammad Yasin Lab Bedford
Environment
Context

The Environmental Audit Committee recommended a progressive timetable for reducing sewage discharges, but the current plan does not commit to substantial reductions until after 2040. This is unacceptable to constituents.

Question

Will the Government show ambition and commit to a target of 100% of sewage outflows in priority areas not causing ecological harm by 2030?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

We are tackling the worst areas first—bathing waters and protected sites—and have a sound system in place, but we need to be mindful of costs on water bills.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to 100% sewage outflows not causing ecological harm by 2030

How: Referring To Cost Implications

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Q3 Alex Sobel Labour (Co-op) Leeds Central and Headingley
Environment
Context

Windermere, England's largest lake, has seen raw sewage pumped into it by United Utilities. Conservationists advise against swimming or letting dogs in the water due to pollution levels, but official figures claim no spills last year and reduced amounts.

Question

Will the Minister admit that the reporting system is broken and take urgent steps to ensure reliable monitoring so people can enjoy Lake Windermere?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

We have a sound system in place through the Environment Act, directions to Ofwat, and event duration monitoring by 2023. We demonstrate what is happening with storm sewage overflows, and action will be taken on water companies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Admitting that the reporting system is broken

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