South West Water

The Environment Agency predicts England will run short of water by 2045 due to climate change and population growth. South West Water was not prepared during the hot summer in 2022, with reservoirs at record low levels and a one-year hosepipe ban implemented. The company's measures for saving water were insufficient, and there is an overreliance on smart meters which are proving problematic.

Described significant floods and raw sewage issues in Kingsbridge, stating investigations were not quick enough and damage to residents and businesses was poorly understood by South West Water, urging faster engagement from the company. He also highlighted the impact of water company networks on aquaculture businesses in Brixham and Lyme Bay.

Mr Foster highlighted the improvements in water quality monitoring since 2013, noting that while storm overflow outlets have always existed, they were previously ignored. He discussed the bathing water quality in Torbay, mentioning that although most beaches meet high standards, Goodrington beach needs further improvement to reach a 'good' rating. Mr Foster also mentioned meetings with South West Water where improvements were agreed upon for Goodrington and Paignton sands by 2030, with a £6-million investment plan. He called for clarity in data presentation about sewage releases versus rainwater drainage.

Highlights that South West Water's performance is not good enough, with more than 37,000 sewage spills in the south-west region in 2022. Criticises the company for discharging raw sewage daily despite knowing it should not be doing so. Advocates for increased investment and urgent action to close private raw sewage outlets in Plymouth Sound.

Asked if a £2.1 million fine against South West Water would make any difference to the company with a £2.8 billion debt in its water business. Suggests that rather than water companies having complete control over gathering data on sewage spills, the function should sit with the regulator, the Environment Agency. Mr Foord highlighted that South West Water has poor performance, with high dividend payouts equivalent to £2,931 per property since 1990. He cited a constituent's claim that the company owes £3.1 billion, similar to its dividend payments of £3.2 billion. Mr Foord suggested that water companies are incentivised by their shareholders rather than for public benefit and mentioned illegal dry spills as an issue. He proposed bolstering the Environment Agency with teeth and reforming water companies' boards to include grassroots campaigners. He intervened, questioning whether the problem lies with the regulatory environment that water companies operate within. He mentioned a coalition meeting focused on ending sewage pollution which included various environmental groups.

Asked Anne Marie Morris to clarify Lib Dem policy regarding South West Water issues when Ed Davey was Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from 2012 to 2015. Saxby declared an interest as a surfer and expressed concerns about the misinformation spread by a campaign group regarding sewage alerts. She highlighted that storm overflows are mostly rainwater and do not take long to clear with tidal rotations. She thanked South West Water for improving bathing water quality in North Devon, but criticised a recent raw sewage spill incident where the Environment Agency did not inform all relevant councils or the public. She urged for more accurate information dissemination during non-standard bathing seasons.

Mr Perkins intervened, asking Mr Foord for clarity on which campaign group he was referring to, specifically Surfers Against Sewage. He raised concerns about the harassment of water company employees and the significant cuts to the Environment Agency's budget. He highlighted the need for honesty from South West Water and emphasised the economic importance of clean waterways in tourism.