Rivers: Sewage
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential implications for its policies of Surfers Against Sewage's publication entitled Water Quality Report 2025, published in April 2025.
Answered by Emma Hardy
This Government is taking significant steps to improve water quality and reform the sector.
The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, closed its public call for evidence in April with over 50,000 responses. An interim report is due in May and will focus on strategic direction, regulation, ownership, and infrastructure. The final report will follow in June.
In parallel, the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, which gained Royal Assent in February, introduces stronger regulatory powers and improved financial transparency for water companies. Implementation is underway and has been widely welcomed.
Additionally, the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan outlines clear targets to reduce pollution. By 2035, all overflows near bathing waters must be improved, and by 2050, storm overflows should operate only during unusually heavy rainfall, without harming ecosystems.
Together, these measures aim to restore public confidence through investment, tighter regulation, and better environmental outcomes.
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