Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Thames in Oxford: Bathing Water Status

02 November 2021 · 3 other contributors · 4,255 words

Opened by Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

Responding minister: Rebecca Pow

Agriculture & Rural AffairsEnvironment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Layla Moran raised concerns about thames in oxford: bathing water status in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about frequent release of untreated sewage into rivers in Oxfordshire.
  • Urges government to grant bathing water status for the River Thames in Oxford at Port Meadow.
  • Minister acknowledges government's priority on improving water quality and new reporting requirements for sewage overflows.

Key requests to Government

I urge the Government and the Minister to take action and protect our rivers by granting bathing water status for the River Thames in Oxford at Port Meadow. The application has the backing of the community, the water company, and the councils. We want this designation so that the river can be subjected to a strict testing regime based on public health requirements.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

I am concerned about the current situation where water companies are allowed to release untreated sewage into rivers. In Oxfordshire, it happened around 60 times last year, more than once a week. The research by the Oxford rivers project found that sewage pollution is increasing bacteria levels in popular swimming spots to the point where they are deemed unsafe. A survey of 1,140 Oxford residents showed that 57% listed water pollution as their top concern when swimming in the river.

Other contributors (3)
  • Philip Dunne

    Confirms that the River Teme has been put forward for bathing water quality status and announces a £5 million investment from Ofwat and green recovery challenge fund award. Urges Thames Water to provide assessments on storm overflow discharges upstream of Oxford.

  • Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley

    Congratulates the Government on granting River Wharfe in Ilkley the first river bathing water status in the UK. Supports this mechanism to put pressure on utility companies like Yorkshire Water. Anyone can submit an application for bathing water status, as seen in Ilkley where a campaign group submitted the application. The process is open to everyone.

  • Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

    United Utilities dumped raw sewage for the equivalent of 71 full days into Windermere last year. He asks for bathing site status to ensure quick action on water quality issues. Asked if local authorities' requests for bathing site status will be taken seriously, regardless of the location or waterway.

Government Response

Rebecca Pow

It is a pleasure, as ever, to see you in the Chair, Dame Angela. I thank the hon. Member for Oxford West and Abingdon for raising this issue on behalf of her constituents. The Government have made improving water quality an absolute priority. They introduced new environment measures requiring water companies to report on storm sewage overflows within an hour of their being used. A £30 billion investment since 1990 has led to significant reductions in phosphates and ammonia, but more needs to be done. Additional funding for the Environment Agency will increase farm inspections nationwide and target areas such as the River Wye, Somerset levels, and Lyme Bay. Over 98% of bathing waters pass minimum tests, with 70% achieving excellent ratings compared to 28% in 1990. The Government have designated the River Wharfe in Ilkley and are considering Oxford City Council's application for Oxford. Thames Water has committed to real-time notifications on discharges by 2022. Local authorities have applied five times since 2013, with four going forward. Safety is a key issue, including life-saving equipment provision and space for visitors.

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