Clean Water Bill

Ofwat Enforcement Cases — Wastewater Investigation (closed cases hub)

Why linked: Filled the "Earlier water special measures and enforcement actions" gap via web research

Ofwat's published hub page listing all closed enforcement cases arising from its sector-wide investigation into water and wastewater companies' management of sewage treatment works and networks, including penalties totalling over £250m against Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Northumbrian Water, Anglian Water, …

Environment Agency business plan 2026 to 2027

Why linked: Environment Agency business plan 2026-27 is essential context for understanding the EA's operational priorities and resource allocation as the regulator responsible for water quality enforcement under the proposed legislation.

Environment Agency business plan 2026-27 is essential context for understanding the EA's operational priorities and resource allocation as the regulator responsible for water quality enforcement under the proposed legislation.

In response to: Environment Agency business plans

The King's Speech 2026

Why linked: Official King's Speech legislative-programme source mentions this thread or its named Bill.

His Majesty’s most gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament.

NE11 9HS, Northumbrian Water Limited: environmental permit application advertisement - EPR/VP3829PU/A001

Why linked: Northumbrian Water Limited environmental permit application—water company operator directly within Ofwat's remit and the Clean Water Bill's regulatory scope

Northumbrian Water Limited environmental permit application—water company operator directly within Ofwat's remit and the Clean Water Bill's regulatory scope

In response to: NE11 9HS, Northumbrian Water Limited: environmental permit application advertisement – EP…

DL14 0LF, Northumbrian Water Limited: environmental permit application advertisement - EPR/ZB3891AU/A001

Why linked: Northumbrian Water Limited environmental permit application—water company operator directly within Ofwat's remit and the Clean Water Bill's regulatory scope

Northumbrian Water Limited environmental permit application—water company operator directly within Ofwat's remit and the Clean Water Bill's regulatory scope

In response to: DL14 0LF, Northumbrian Water Limited: environmental permit application advertisement – EP…

Defra will also introduce a single water regulator, which will take on the water-related regulatory functions of Natural England, the Environment Agency, Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate.59 Government intends to publish a transition plan for the reforms in 2026.60 Farmers will need to engage with this regulator in addition to the ones it currently interacts with, which risks increasing complexity further.

Why linked: Document describing creation of single water regulator consolidating functions - confirms key structural reform mechanism for the Bill

Defra will also introduce a single water regulator, which will take on the water-related regulatory functions of Natural England, the Environment Agency, Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate.59 Government intends to publish a transition plan for the reforms in 2026.60 …

Investigation into an eligibility for water market dispute under section 17E of the Water Industry Act 1991 between a complainant and Castle Water

Why linked: Ofwat water market dispute decision under Water Industry Act 1991 – directly demonstrates regulator enforcement and oversight mechanisms in scope

Case reference – OFW-063005 Summary of case We have opened a determination case in an eligibility for water market dispute under section 17E of the Water Industry Act 1991 between a complainant and Castle Water. Date opened […]

Water Infrastructure: Inspections

Why linked: Parliamentary debate on water infrastructure inspections (Feb 2026) - relevant to water company oversight mechanisms

Commons Chamber debate | Commons

Letter from the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs relating to Water Sector Regulation, 29 January 2026

Why linked: Permanent Secretary Defra letter to PAC on water sector regulation, 29 January 2026 — departmental update directly engaging the regulatory architecture the Bill will reform.

Direction: to_committee

Letter from the Secretary of State Environment, Food & Rural Affairs relating to the Water reform bill and white paper, 20 January 2026

Why linked: SoS Defra letter to EFRA Committee on the Water Reform Bill and white paper, 20 January 2026 — primary signal that the Bill is imminent.

Direction: to_committee

Revised Environmental Improvement Plan

Why linked: EFRA Committee non-inquiry session on the Revised Environmental Improvement Plan (January 2026) — direct committee scrutiny touching the Bill's policy frame.

Non-inquiry sessions are brief packages of work that will not necessarily result in a report. They may be used to revisit previous inquiry topics or take evidence on a topical matter. Committee: Environmental Audit Committee | Type: Non-inquiry session | …

Letter from the Chair to the Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs relating to a follow up to the Committee’s Forty-second Report on Water sector regulation, 01 December 2025

Why linked: Committee chair correspondence to Defra Permanent Secretary on follow-up to a water-sector inquiry, December 2025 — directly related to pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill.

Direction: to_committee

Investigation into whether Wessex Water’s refusal to permit a communication to be made under Section 106(6) Water Industry Act 1991 was reasonable

Why linked: Ofwat determination on water company sewer connection refusal under Water Industry Act 1991 s.106 – core water company oversight and enforcement

Case summary This request for a determination was in relation to whether Wessex Water’s reasons for refusing a household’s property to be connected to a public sewer were reasonable or not. Summary of Ofwat’s final […]

Investigation of an appeal under section 126 of the Water Industry Act 1991 concerning the reasonableness of a trade effluent consent issued by United Utilities

Why linked: Ofwat appeal decision on trade effluent consent under Water Industry Act 1991 s.126 – water company licensing and enforcement mechanisms in scope

Case reference – OFW- 061233 Summary of case We are investigating an appeal under section 126 of the Water Industry Act 1991 concerning the reasonableness of a trade effluent consent issued by United Utilities. Date […]

Water and sewerage companies in England: environmental performance report for 2024

Why linked: Water and sewerage companies environmental performance report 2024 is core evidence for water sector reform and regulatory oversight mechanisms

Water and sewerage companies environmental performance report 2024 is core evidence for water sector reform and regulatory oversight mechanisms

In response to: Water and sewerage companies in England: environmental performance report 2024

Letter from the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency relating to the Committee’s Forty-Second Report of Session 2024–26 on Water sector regulation – Water company environmental performance, 21 October 2025

Why linked: Environment Agency CEO letter on water sector regulation and water company environmental performance - directly relevant to regulatory mechanisms

Direction: to_committee

Letter to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs relating to pollution from highway run-off, 16 September 2025

Why linked: Committee letter on pollution from highway run-off - relevant to water quality and pollution from multiple sources

Direction: from_committee

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Why linked: EFRA Committee formal meeting agenda on water sector reform inquiry (Sept 2025); directly on-scope water reform scrutiny as per responsible bodies

Event type: Formal meeting (oral evidence session) | Committee: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee | Inquiry: Reforming the water sector | Starts: 2025-09-09T08:30:00+00:00 | Ends: 2025-09-09T11:30:00+00:00 | Location: Room 6, Palace of Westminster | Status: completed

Independent Water Commission – Final Report (PDF, 21 July 2025)

Why linked: Filled the "Cunliffe review findings and recommendations on water sector reform" gap via web research

The full 464-page PDF of the Independent Water Commission's final report, authored by Sir Jon Cunliffe, containing all 88 recommendations across seven themes for resetting the water sector in England and Wales.

Customer trust is at its lowest level since monitoring began in 2011.14 The Consumer Council for Water told us that, according to its survey, environmental performance was the biggest driver of dissatisfaction amongst customers.15 Committee members also drew attention to problems experienced by our constituents, including poor company responses to issues with burst pipes, and sewer flooding in particular.16 Company performance on key metrics, such as supply interruptions and 9 C&AG’s Report, ...

Why linked: Committee evidence on environmental performance and water company accountability; customer trust and company oversight in scope

Customer trust is at its lowest level since monitoring began in 2011.14 The Consumer Council for Water told us that, according to its survey, environmental performance was the biggest driver of dissatisfaction amongst customers.15 Committee members also drew attention to …

We asked the witnesses about water companies’ current environmental performance. Ofwat and the EA are taking enforcement action against every wastewater company for their management of combined sewer overflows. Water quality pollution incidents have increased.47 WildFish highlighted failures in regulation in its written submission, while in its written submission the Office for Environmental Protection set out failures to comply with environmental law by Defra, the EA and Ofwat.48 The EA told...

Why linked: Witness evidence on water companies' environmental performance and Ofwat/EA enforcement action against wastewater companies (July 2025) - substantive scrutiny evidence on regulatory enforcement in scope

We asked the witnesses about water companies’ current environmental performance. Ofwat and the EA are taking enforcement action against every wastewater company for their management of combined sewer overflows. Water quality pollution incidents have increased.47 WildFish highlighted failures in regulation …

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency (the EA) and the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) on regulating the water sector.1 We also took evidence from the Chief Executive of Water UK, David Henderson; the Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water, Dr Mike Keil; and John Earwaker, Director of First Economics.

Why linked: PAC report with evidence from DEFRA, Environment Agency, and Ofwat on water sector regulation - substantive scrutiny of regulatory framework

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency (the EA) and the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) on regulating the …

In 2020, the previous Public Accounts Committee recommended that Defra provide an update on how it planned to accelerate the pace of infrastructure improvement, to address the gap between future water supply and demand in England, which was estimated to be 3.6 billion litres per day by 2050.31 Five years later, that gap is now estimated to be 5 billion litres a day by 2050. The regulators have come together to form the Regulators’ Alliance for Progress for Infrastructure Development (RAPID), ...

Why linked: PAC analysis of infrastructure improvement acceleration - relevant to water company investment and sector reform

In 2020, the previous Public Accounts Committee recommended that Defra provide an update on how it planned to accelerate the pace of infrastructure improvement, to address the gap between future water supply and demand in England, which was estimated to …

We asked whose responsibility it is to balance environmental need with affordability. Ofwat told us that there is no formal basis for making trade-offs between affordability and making improvements, nor was there in previous price reviews.87 Defra acknowledged that there had been “deep under-investment” leading to a big jump up now.88 Water UK told us that a former minister had turned down a reservoir application in the past on the basis of “no immediate need”. It also told us that it would h...

Why linked: PAC evidence on balance between environmental need and affordability in regulation - relevant to regulatory powers and company conditions

We asked whose responsibility it is to balance environmental need with affordability. Ofwat told us that there is no formal basis for making trade-offs between affordability and making improvements, nor was there in previous price reviews.87 Defra acknowledged that there …

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

Why linked: EFRA Committee formal meeting on 'Reforming the water sector' directly relates to Clean Water Bill scrutiny and implementation

Event type: Formal meeting (oral evidence session) | Committee: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee | Inquiry: Reforming the water sector | Starts: 2025-06-17T08:30:00+00:00 | Ends: 2025-06-17T11:30:00+00:00 | Location: Room 6, Palace of Westminster | Status: completed

Environmental regulation and the delivery of a reliable and safe water must be the first priorities of water companies and regulators. Effective regulation, strongly prioritised towards environmental and customer targets, is needed to make these a core part of the culture amongst water companies; it will also need to cover all actors that have the potential to harm water resources. It is important for regulations to be comprehensive and predictable to close any gaps that can allow pollution, ...

Why linked: Parliamentary statement on environmental regulation and water company delivery priorities is relevant to Bill policy intent on oversight and company regulation

Environmental regulation and the delivery of a reliable and safe water must be the first priorities of water companies and regulators. Effective regulation, strongly prioritised towards environmental and customer targets, is needed to make these a core part of the …

The Independent Water Commission should assess how effectively the regulators audit companies, monitor the water environment, and enforce breaches of licences and permits. It should consider whether regulators are leveraging enough fees from the sector to ensure robust, fair and quick monitoring and enforcement of environmental protections. To bring about greater trust in the regulatory system, the Commission should consider whether public standards for monitoring are needed, including a full...

Why linked: Evidence calling for independent water commission assessment of regulator effectiveness and enforcement; regulatory oversight mechanisms in scope

The Independent Water Commission should assess how effectively the regulators audit companies, monitor the water environment, and enforce breaches of licences and permits. It should consider whether regulators are leveraging enough fees from the sector to ensure robust, fair and …

Mismanagement of wastewater and sewage is a serious public health concern and heightens the threat of AMR. Storm overflows involve sewage getting into waterways such as rivers. They increase the prevalence and diversity of resistant pathogens in the environment and are a serious public health concern. In 2016, 862 storm overflow sites were monitored for spills, and they averaged 15 spill events in the year each. By 2023, the number of storm overflow sites monitored had increased to around 14,...

Why linked: Report on wastewater and sewage mismanagement including storm overflows; sewage discharge and CSO reduction strategies in scope

Mismanagement of wastewater and sewage is a serious public health concern and heightens the threat of AMR. Storm overflows involve sewage getting into waterways such as rivers. They increase the prevalence and diversity of resistant pathogens in the environment and …

State of the water environment: long-term trends in river quality in England: 2024

Why linked: EA 'State of the water environment' long-term river-quality trends 2024 — baseline evidence for the Bill's outcome metrics.

EA 'State of the water environment' long-term river-quality trends 2024 — baseline evidence for the Bill's outcome metrics.

In response to: State of the water environment indicator B3: supporting evidence

Water: Supply and Infrastructure

Why linked: Lords Chamber debate on Water: Supply and Infrastructure (14 May 2025) — material parliamentary record of post-Cunliffe debate.

Lords Chamber debate | Lords

Sewage Discharge Reduction: Water Company Investment

Why linked: Commons Chamber debate on Sewage Discharge Reduction: Water Company Investment (20 March 2025) — directly engages the Bill's central policy area.

Commons Chamber debate | Commons

In January 2025, the government announced that it will look to change how infrastructure projects meet their environmental obligations as part of its forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill. It set out that this would include a Nature Restoration Fund which will pool contributions from developers to fund larger strategic interventions by, for example, Natural England. In many cases this should enable infrastructure builders to make a single payment to enable development to proceed. The g...

Why linked: Document on government plans to change environmental obligations for infrastructure projects via Planning and Infrastructure Bill (linked to water sector reform)

In January 2025, the government announced that it will look to change how infrastructure projects meet their environmental obligations as part of its forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill. It set out that this would include a Nature Restoration Fund which …

Complaint against Welsh Water (Dŵr Cymru) regarding a formal request for a determination of an appeal under section 105(2) of the Water Industry Act 1991

Why linked: Ofwat complaint determination against Welsh Water under Water Industry Act 1991 s.105 – water company regulatory framework and oversight

Case reference – OFW-042807 Case Summary We opened a case with regard to a formal request for a determination of an appeal under section 105(2) of the Water Industry Act 1991. The parties have decided […]

Notice of designation of catchment permitting areas

Why linked: Notice of designation of catchment permitting areas - sensitive area designation under WIA1991 relevant to water quality standards and discharge control

Designation of sensitive catchment areas as catchment permitting areas under the Water Industry Act 1991.

Complaint against Southern Water about the charge recovered from a developer for a sewer requisition

Why linked: Ofwat complaint on developer sewer requisition charge under Water Industry Act 1991 s.99 – water company licensing and financial mechanisms

Case summary We are investigating a complaint about the charge Southern Water can recover from a developer for a sewer requisition under Section 99 of the Water Industry Act 1991. Date opened 26 June 2024 Relevant […]

Pennon / Sumisho Osaka Gas Water UK merger inquiry

Why linked: CMA water merger inquiry (Pennon/Sumisho) – water sector ownership and financial resilience oversight relevant to company oversight theme

The CMA investigated the completed acquisition by Pennon Group Plc of Sumisho Osaka Gas Water UK Limited (including its subsidiary Sutton and East Surrey Water Plc) under the Water Industry Act 1991.

Notice of designation of sensitive catchment areas 2024

Why linked: Notice of sensitive catchment areas designation under Water Industry Act 1991 – statutory environmental standards and water quality compliance regime

Catchment areas in England designated as sensitive areas for phosphorus or nitrogen under the Water Industry Act 1991.

Water Industry Act 1991 (Amendment) Order 2024

Why linked: Parliamentary debate on Water Industry Act 1991 Amendment Order 2024 – scrutiny of water sector statutory powers

Lords Chamber debate | Lords

Water Industry Act 1991 (Amendment) Order 2024

Why linked: Lords Grand Committee debate on Water Industry Act 1991 Amendment Order 2024

Grand Committee debate | Lords

Delegated Legislation Committee: Draft Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 Draft Water Industry Act 1991 (Amendment) Order 2024

Why linked: Delegated Legislation Committee debate on water special administration regulations and Water Industry Act amendment – directly relevant to water company oversight measures

The Committee consisted of the following Members: Chair: Martin Vickers † Coffey, Dr Thérèse (Suffolk Coastal) (Con) † Drummond, Mrs Flick (Meon Valley) (Con) Duffield, Rosie (Canterbury) (Lab) † Edwards, Ruth (Rushcliffe) (Con) † Evennett, Sir David (Bexleyheath and Crayford) …

Draft Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 Draft Water Industry Act 1991 (Amendment) Order 2024

Why linked: General Committees debate on water special administration and Water Industry Act amendment – scrutiny of water company regulatory framework

General Committees debate | Commons

Water industry: letter to the Environment Agency on water company regulation and enforcement

Why linked: Letter from Secretary of State to Environment Agency on water company regulation and enforcement - direct statement on regulatory reform and enforcement mechanisms

Letter from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to the Environment Agency on environmental regulation and enforcement in relation to the water sector in England.

Complaint against Thames Water Utilities Limited regarding work in private land

Why linked: Ofwat determination on Thames Water work dispute under Water Industry Act 1991 s.181 – water company licensing conditions

Case number OFW-042452 Summary of case This dispute was referred to us for determination under section 181 of the Water Industry Act 1991. This section deals with complaints about how water and sewerage companies exercise […]

Investigation into Olympos Water’s breach of Standard Licence Conditions

Why linked: Ofwat enforcement order against Olympos Water for licence breach – water company enforcement and regulatory oversight

Case Summary On 17 October Ofwat published a Notice of the Water Services Regulation Authority’s Proposal to Make a Final Enforcement Order to Olympos Water under Section 18(1) of the Water Industry Act 1991 to […]

Correspondence from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding the Integrated Plan for Delivering Clean and Plentiful Water, dated 4 April 2023

Why linked: Correspondence from DEFRA regarding Integrated Plan for Delivering Clean and Plentiful Water (April 2023); directly relevant to water sector reform strategy

Direction: unknown

Publication of Government’s Environment Improvement Plan 2023, from the Secretary of State, dated 31 January 2023

Why linked: Publication notice of Government's Environment Improvement Plan 2023 - related environmental policy framework providing context for water sector reform

Direction: unknown

Environment Agency Budget: Sewage Discharge

Why linked: Parliamentary debate on Environment Agency Budget and sewage discharge (Jan 2023) - scrutiny of enforcement and regulatory action on pollution

Commons Chamber debate | Commons

Environment Agency Budget: Sewage Discharge

Why linked: Parliamentary debate on Environment Agency Budget and sewage discharge (Jan 2023) - scrutiny of enforcement and regulatory action on pollution

Commons Chamber debate | Commons

PN 41/22 Price Review 2024: A healthier environment and better customer services – Ofwat sets out plans for the water sector

Why linked: Ofwat Price Review 2024 methodology - water company investment plans and capital expenditure frameworks explicitly in scope

Ofwat has today published the final methodology for the upcoming Price Review (PR24). The need for substantial improvement in the sector is clear, and PR24, which will cover the period 2025-2030, will drive water companies […]

We have heard disturbing evidence that sewage treatment works and the rivers that they discharge into are becoming breeding grounds for antimicrobial resistance. There will need to be cross-sector collaboration to reduce the growth of antimicrobial resistance genes in rivers. Following the work streams of the Pathogen Surveillance in Agriculture, Food and the Environment programme on antimicrobial resistance, we 120 Water quality in rivers recommend that the Government bring together farming ...

Why linked: Parliamentary report on antimicrobial resistance in sewage treatment; water quality concern but public health/AMR angle secondary to core bill scope

We have heard disturbing evidence that sewage treatment works and the rivers that they discharge into are becoming breeding grounds for antimicrobial resistance. There will need to be cross-sector collaboration to reduce the growth of antimicrobial resistance genes in rivers. …

The agricultural sector has a responsibility for improving water quality in rivers, just as the water industry and other stakeholders do. The Farming Rules for Water ought to be amended over time so as to reduce phosphorus surpluses in land and water and thereby improve water quality. This must be done in a way that promotes cooperation from farmers. The Environment Agency must recognise the impact on the sector of rule changes made with insufficient notice or options for mitigation.

Why linked: Parliamentary report on agricultural responsibility for water quality; broader multi-sector pollution reduction but secondary to water company reform

The agricultural sector has a responsibility for improving water quality in rivers, just as the water industry and other stakeholders do. The Farming Rules for Water ought to be amended over time so as to reduce phosphorus surpluses in land …

We recommend that the water industry work urgently with the Environment Agency and the farming sector to assess and mitigate the clear risk of microplastic pollution from this practice, and to develop a comprehensive plan for the separation of microplastics from biosolids at wastewater treatment works. (Paragraph 129) Sewage pollution

Why linked: Parliamentary report on microplastic pollution from agricultural practices; water quality pollution source control but secondary focus

We recommend that the water industry work urgently with the Environment Agency and the farming sector to assess and mitigate the clear risk of microplastic pollution from this practice, and to develop a comprehensive plan for the separation of microplastics …

We welcome the statutory provisions in the Environment Act 2021 to monitor water quality upstream and downstream of sewer outflows, and for annual reporting on storm overflow discharges. We also welcome the requirement for water companies to report on the volume where information is available, but we regret that there is as yet no timetable for the roll-out of volume monitors across wastewater treatment works, especially to those works which have a history of spills.

Why linked: Parliamentary report welcoming Environment Act 2021 provisions on water quality monitoring and storm overflow reporting; statutory framework in scope

We welcome the statutory provisions in the Environment Act 2021 to monitor water quality upstream and downstream of sewer outflows, and for annual reporting on storm overflow discharges. We also welcome the requirement for water companies to report on the …

We note that the Environment Agency does not consider any use of storm overflows to be a pollution incident: discharges from overflows are classed as permitted discharges as long as they comply with the terms of the relevant permit. This is unlikely to incentivise overall reductions in discharges. We recommend that the 124 Water quality in rivers Environment Agency reclassify significant sewage spills from storm overflows into watercourses in dry weather as pollution incidents, irrespective o...

Why linked: Parliamentary report on storm overflow permitting and regulatory treatment; sewage discharge and CSO reduction strategies explicitly in scope

We note that the Environment Agency does not consider any use of storm overflows to be a pollution incident: discharges from overflows are classed as permitted discharges as long as they comply with the terms of the relevant permit. This …

We have identified multiple potential points of failure in the regulatory arrangements for monitoring, governance and enforcement of water quality. The Southern Water case has given rise to obvious and urgent questions about the system of operator self- monitoring and Environment Agency compliance monitoring. Given the duration of time when misreporting and large spills were routine at Southern Water, we cannot discount the possibility that similar practices have been occurring undetected at ...

Why linked: Parliamentary report identifying regulatory failures in water quality monitoring, governance and enforcement; directly supports Cunliffe review follow-up on regulatory oversight

We have identified multiple potential points of failure in the regulatory arrangements for monitoring, governance and enforcement of water quality. The Southern Water case has given rise to obvious and urgent questions about the system of operator self- monitoring and …

We welcome the investigation recently launched by the Environment Agency and Ofwat into permit compliance at sewage treatment works, following evidence presented to us indicating that the numbers of permit breaches may be far higher than disclosed by water companies under self-reporting arrangements. We look forward to examining the findings of the investigation.

Why linked: Parliamentary evidence on Environment Agency and Ofwat investigation into sewage treatment permit compliance is directly relevant to water company oversight and enforcement

We welcome the investigation recently launched by the Environment Agency and Ofwat into permit compliance at sewage treatment works, following evidence presented to us indicating that the numbers of permit breaches may be far higher than disclosed by water companies …

We recommend that the Environment Agency urgently review its practices in auditing the self-monitoring of wastewater treatment works by water companies. The Agency should also review its approach to enforcement and seek to reduce the interval between detection of permit breaches and prosecution.

Why linked: Parliamentary recommendation on Environment Agency auditing of wastewater treatment self-monitoring directly supports regulatory reform within Clean Water Bill scope

We recommend that the Environment Agency urgently review its practices in auditing the self-monitoring of wastewater treatment works by water companies. The Agency should also review its approach to enforcement and seek to reduce the interval between detection of permit …

We recommend that Ministers and the Environment Agency should set challenging improvement targets and timetables for this progressive reduction to inform the drainage and sewage management plans to be drawn up by each water company. The first round of these plans should clearly indicate significant ambition, by setting a stretching timetable for progressive reductions in the use of overflows. (Paragraph 243) Surface drainage and urban pollution

Why linked: Parliamentary report on improvement targets and timetables for pollution reduction informed by drainage and sewage management; statutory targets and water company compliance in scope

We recommend that Ministers and the Environment Agency should set challenging improvement targets and timetables for this progressive reduction to inform the drainage and sewage management plans to be drawn up by each water company. The first round of these …

The use of plastic in single use sanitary products should be prohibited, with exemptions only provided for medical requirements. We urge the Government to adopt the measures outlined in the Plastics (Wet Wipes) Bill to prohibit the manufacture and sale of single use cleaning and hygiene products containing plastic. The Government should further incentivise the reduction of waste and recoup costs by using new powers in the Environment Act to extend Extended Producer Responsibility schemes to c...

Why linked: Report on single-use plastic in sanitary products prohibition; water pollution source control but secondary to core bill focus

The use of plastic in single use sanitary products should be prohibited, with exemptions only provided for medical requirements. We urge the Government to adopt the measures outlined in the Plastics (Wet Wipes) Bill to prohibit the manufacture and sale …

We are disappointed by the apparent lack of regulatory oversight of the risks of water pollution from road run-off. We therefore recommend that the Environment Agency require discharge permits for all outfalls on roads with annual average daily traffic above 15,000 vehicles, establishing strict conditions for their management, so as to minimise pollution from run-off.

Why linked: Parliamentary report on regulatory oversight of water pollution from road run-off; Environment Agency enforcement mechanisms in scope

We are disappointed by the apparent lack of regulatory oversight of the risks of water pollution from road run-off. We therefore recommend that the Environment Agency require discharge permits for all outfalls on roads with annual average daily traffic above …

We recommend that the level of financial support provided to the Environment Agency be reviewed as a matter of urgency in the light of its new statutory responsibilities and the scale of the regulatory task it faces, recognising its continued need for efficiency. Water quality in rivers 129 We further recommend that the Environment Agency, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Treasury review the relevant provisions of the Agency’s environmental permitting cha...

Why linked: Environment Agency funding review recommendation (2022); Environment Agency oversight and statutory responsibilities directly relevant to regulatory strengthening

We recommend that the level of financial support provided to the Environment Agency be reviewed as a matter of urgency in the light of its new statutory responsibilities and the scale of the regulatory task it faces, recognising its continued …

Pollution across river catchments must be progressively reduced from all sources in the catchment until it does not exceed the capacity of the land and the rivers to handle the nutrients. We therefore recommend that DEFRA direct the Environment Agency and Natural England to calculate nutrient budgets for each river catchment in England.

Why linked: Parliamentary report on pollution reduction across river catchments; statutory pollution targets and water quality standards as per interpreted scope

Pollution across river catchments must be progressively reduced from all sources in the catchment until it does not exceed the capacity of the land and the rivers to handle the nutrients. We therefore recommend that DEFRA direct the Environment Agency …

The new Office for Environmental Protection, established under the Environment Act 2021, is empowered to make highly significant contributions to the achievement 128 Water quality in rivers of the Government’s environmental objectives in general, and to the improvement of water quality in rivers in particular. We encourage the Office for Environmental Protection to take account of the relevant conclusions and recommendations of this report when planning the Office’s work on water quality, and...

Why linked: Research material on Office for Environmental Protection role in water quality achievement; relevant to regulatory oversight framework Clean Water Bill establishes.

The new Office for Environmental Protection, established under the Environment Act 2021, is empowered to make highly significant contributions to the achievement 128 Water quality in rivers of the Government’s environmental objectives in general, and to the improvement of water …