← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Mains Water Connections: Cost for Rural Communities
05 September 2023
Lead MP
Simon Clarke
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Con
Responding Minister
Rebecca Pow
Tags
EconomyTaxationAgriculture & Rural AffairsStandards & EthicsLocal Government
Word Count: 3528
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Simon Clarke raised concerns about mains water connections: cost for rural communities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Clarke asks the Minister to consider a special fund for exceptional cases like Aysdalegate, where connecting homes to mains water would be too expensive for residents but should not burden wider bill payers significantly. He seeks clarity on what the Government will do to ensure safe drinking water access for isolated communities.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Residents of Aysdalegate in Simon Clarke's constituency lack access to mains water, using a private supply that has failed quality checks nine times over the last decade. The water is contaminated with E. coli and enterococci bacteria, requiring boiling before use due to Regulation 18 notices since December 2017. Residents face financial hardship from bottled water costs and boil notices without improvement. One constituent reported finding tadpoles and rodent evidence in drinking water.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the debate and highlights concerns about the prohibitive cost of mains water connections in rural areas, questioning if the Government has a role to play in improving both water quality and connection costs.
Government Response
Rebecca Pow
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under Ms Ali. I thank the Member for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, who brought this matter before the House. Private water supplies are regulated under the Water Industry Act 1991 and the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016. Local authorities regulate private supplies and must identify risks to water quality. The compliance rate of private supplies with drinking water standards has improved from 91.4% in 2010 to 96.4% in 2022. Property owners wishing to connect to the mains water network are subject to costs that water companies charge, reflecting the work required. Ofwat ensures transparency and clarity in charges. Constituents can also contract with self-lay providers or use avenues for recourse such as complaining to the Consumer Council for Water or contacting Ofwat if they disagree with charges. On Aysdalegate cottages, officials from DEFRA and the Drinking Water Inspectorate are in contact with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which has proposed options including improving existing supply, exploring a new water source, and mains connection. The water company will cover costs for exploring these options. UV treatment can improve water quality if used properly. Residents ultimately need to reach a consensus on joint action. The Drinking Water Inspectorate is reviewing the regulatory framework's impact on public health, with results expected early in 2024.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.