Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Mains Water Connections: Cost for Rural Communities

05 September 2023 · 1 other contributor · 3,528 words

Opened by Simon Clarke Con Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland

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

Simon Clarke raised concerns about mains water connections: cost for rural communities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Residents of Aysdalegate lack access to mains water and use a private supply that has repeatedly failed quality checks.
  • Regulation 18 notices since December 2017 require residents to boil water due to contamination with E. coli and enterococci bacteria.
  • Clarke requests a special fund for exceptional cases where connecting homes to mains water is too expensive for residents.

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.

Opened the debate

Simon Clarke Con Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland

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.

Other contributors (1)
  • 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

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.

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