Context
The Department's assessment of requiring water companies to be statutory consultees for new housing developments was prompted by outdated sewer systems that mix clean rainwater with sewage, leading to pollution and infrastructure strain.
Question
Outdated sewer systems mix clean rainwater with sewage, polluting rivers and placing strains on outdated infrastructure. If the Government are intent on not making water companies statutory consultees, a national rainwater management strategy mandating rainwater harvesting on new homes and major renovations would ease the pressure on infrastructure and reduce the likelihood of sewage overflows. What recent conversations has the Minister had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about introducing a national rainwater management strategy? Will he consider making rainwater harvesting a mandatory requirement on new housing developments?
Answer from The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
The hon. Gentleman raises an apt point. I regularly meet colleagues from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to discuss a range of issues, including water efficiency and management. I draw his attention to the consultation we launched just last month to review the water efficiency standards in the Building Regulations 1991 (as amended). As part of that, we are investigating how we can bring technologies such as rainwater harvesting into new developments safely.
Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to introducing a national rainwater management strategy or making rainwater harvesting mandatory on new homes and major renovations.
How: Working With Colleagues, Consultation Launched Last Month
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