Inland Waterways: Surrey Heath
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to clear waterways in Surrey Heath constituency.
Answered by Emma Hardy
The Environment Agency (EA) undertakes regular monitoring of the water quality in the River Thames catchment, including in Surrey Heath constituency. The assessment and proposed actions are set out in the Thames River Basin Management Plan.
The EA continues to respond to and investigate any significant pollution incidents, prioritising those with the greatest environmental risk. It has invested in a larger specialised workforce to improve regulation of Thames Water including increased inspections of their permitted sites. The EA is also strengthening regulation of the farming sector to address agricultural impacts on water quality.
The Water Industry National Environment Programme is part of the five-yearly water company Price Review process where water companies fund actions to improve the water environment by reducing pollution and boosting resilience. The current planning cycle (2025-2030) includes significant improvements that Thames Water must implement, including a reduction in storm overflows and of phosphorus levels in treated sewage effluent.
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