Improving Water Quality

Following reports about widespread unpermitted releases of sewage into the environment by water and wastewater companies, Ofwat has today launched an investigation to establish whether companies are complying with their statutory and licence obligations.

Following reports of surface sewage, Gillian joined the Westminster Hall debate on e-petition 582336, relating to the discharge of sewage by water companies.

Southern Water is launching a task force this week to cut storm overflows by 80 per cent by 2030.

This is part of the company’s zero tolerance approach to pollution and is part of wider programme of investment to deliver a step change in water quality in the area.

Following reports of surface sewage, Gillian met with Chichester Harbour Conservancy Director, and Harbour Master, Richard Craven to discuss the areas water quality.

Gillian has received a response to her enquiry from the Environment Agency's Interim Area Director, Nick Gray regarding the recently reported sewerage on the water's surface.

04.11.2021

Dear Gillian,

Gillian has written to the Environment Agency's Interim Area Director, Nick Gray and Southern Water's CEO, Ian McAulay following reports of raw sewage floating on the water's surface in Chichester Harbour.

Dear Ian,

Change will further bolster the present raft of measures planned for Environment Bill which will tackle water pollution.

Below is the response from Ian McAulay, CEO of Southern Water to Gillian's request for information on the use of UV treatment in the Chichester Harbour. Gillian has asked that SW adopt this treatment across all their sites locally.

There has been a fair amount of misleading information on social media about the use of Combined Sewage Overflows (CSOs) which are currently permitted under licence by the Environment Agency.

At the end of last week, the Prime Minister made a few halftime changes to the Government to help implement his priorities for the remainder of the Parliament. For me, this has meant a big change as I have been promoted to Minister of State in the Department for Health and Social Care.