Is enough being done to protect UK water quality? MPs revisit 2021 findings
On Wednesday 15 May, the Environmental Audit Committee will consider what progress has been made in tackling water pollution and supply issues since it last examined the area in detail.
Meeting details
Across four panels, MPs will hear from representatives of the water industry, water quality campaigners, the economic regulator Ofwat and the Government’s Minister for Water.
The Committee will revisit recommendations made in the Committee’s influential 2021 report on ‘Water quality in rivers’, which helped to crystallise public awareness of water quality issues.
MPs are likely to ask witnesses about the water industry’s proposed £96 billion investment in infrastructure between 2025-2030, plans currently being considered by Ofwat. They may explore what impact this investment will have on reducing water pollution and delivering a secure future water supply.
MPs may also question Water UK on what steps the industry has taken to date to reduce pollution incidents and to restore confidence among the public.
Committee members may also ask both the Government and water campaigners about the effectiveness of Government measures, such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive, aimed at improving the health of rivers, and about its success achieving objectives currently set under the Water Framework Directive Regulations.