Environment Agency and Ofwat investigation into sewage treatment works

• Inquiry: Water Quality in Rivers
• Environmental Audit Committee

Chair's comment

Reacting to the EA’s and Ofwat’s investigation into sewage treatment works, Environmental Audit Committee Chairman, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, said:

“Our waterways are the arteries of nature, far too many of which are being damaged by unacceptable sewage spills. I welcome the EA’s and Ofwat’s new investigation, frankly long overdue, seeking to understand better the true scale of the problem of water companies spilling untreated sewage. It is clear that with decades of under-investment in our sewerage network there are no quick fixes, but it is welcome that the Government, through the Environment Act passed into law last week, is already taking action to get a grip on this unacceptable activity.

“My Committee has been examining, in depth, the current regulatory structures around permitted discharges. We will be reporting our conclusions on the adequacy of the existing system when we issue the report of our inquiry into Water Quality in Rivers.”

Further information

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