Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Water Quality

Thursday 4 June 2026 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is holding water companies accountable and maintaining high drinking water standards
  • A scientific group is examining the impact of pet flea treatments on water quality
  • The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 introduced tough accountability measures for water bosses

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

South West Water has recently faced a record fine of £1.85 million for a cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon, prompting concerns about drinking water standards.

Question

What steps she is taking to help improve water quality, given the concern over South West Water's failure and the Government's own Veterinary Medicines Directorate warning that pet flea treatments sold in supermarkets are washing pesticides into Britain's lakes, harming aquatic life?

Answer from Emma Hardy

The Government are serious about holding water companies accountable and maintaining high drinking water standards. A scientific group is looking at the issue of pet flea treatments and will give advice on the best course of action.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to reclassifying pet flea products

How: Under Review

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Q2 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is concerned that pet flea treatments sold in supermarkets contain ingredients such as fipronil and imidacloprid, which are harmful to aquatic life.

Question

Will the Minister commit to reclassifying these products so they can no longer be sold off a supermarket shelf without professional advice?

Answer from Emma Hardy

The hon. Gentleman's expertise is acknowledged, and the issue is being taken seriously by a scientific group that will provide advice on the best course of action.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to reclassify pet flea treatments

How: Under Review

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Q3 Luke Charters Lab York Outer
Environment
Context

Surfers Against Sewage joined efforts on the River Ouse to highlight the consequences of Yorkshire Water's failure in managing excessive pollution.

Question

Does the Minister agree that we should compel water bosses to personally clean up excessive pollution and be sent into the river with overalls and wellies?

Answer from Emma Hardy

The Minister agrees on making water bosses accountable for cleaning up pollution. The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 introduced tough accountability measures.

Answered
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