Rivers: Sewage
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the Environment Agency on rules governing sewage discharge into rivers during periods of heavy rainfall.
Answered by Emma Hardy
The Government is committed to tackling the root causes of sewage pollution into our rivers, lakes and seas. We will enable a step change to allow for more ‘pre-pipe’ solutions to reduce the volume of rainwater and pollutants entering the sewerage system. This includes better rainwater management, including sustainable drainage systems, and tackling sewer misuse.
Between 2025 and 2030, over £11 billion is being invested in improving nearly 3,000 storm overflows across England and Wales, targeted at those affecting the most sensitive sites for ecological and human health, including in rural areas.
Storm overflows are strictly regulated by the Environment Agency (EA). The regulators will not let companies get away with illegal activity and where breaches are found, will not hesitate to hold companies to account. The EA has increased its target for water company inspections to 10,000 in 2025/26 as part of the Government’s wider focus to hold companies to account and improve our water environment.
Ministers meet regularly with the EA Chair and Chief Executive to discuss governance, performance and delivery across the EA’s remit.
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