Sewage: Devon
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of water butts in reducing sewage overflow in Devon.
Answered by Emma Hardy
Defra have had no recent discussions with water companies about the use of water butts to prevent sewage overflow in Devon. However, as part of a well-designed sustainable drainage system (SuDS), water butts can help in reducing pressure on sewerage.
This Government is strongly committed to requiring standardised SuDS in new developments. These should be to designs that cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits, reduce run off and help to improve water quality, amenity and biodiversity. It is also important to ensure appropriate adoption and maintenance arrangements are in place.
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