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<p>The Government is driving up monitoring and transparency of water quality data.
We have increased the number of storm overflows monitored across the network from
7% in 2010 to 91% now, and we will reach 100% by end of this year.</p><p> </p><p>The
Government has also required water companies to publish Event and Duration Monitoring
(EDM) data annually since 2020. Data from 2022 was published in March 2023.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government is taking additional steps to further improve water quality
data published by companies. In April 2023 we launched a consultation on continuous
water quality monitoring, setting out proposals to enhance the monitoring of watercourses
to show not just whether an overflow is discharging but also its impact on the receiving
watercourse. The Government is currently analysing responses and will respond to the
consultation in due course.</p><p> </p><p>The Environment Agency has secured through
the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), the monitoring of Storm
Overflows through Event Duration Monitoring (EDM). There will be 100% coverage in
England by December 2023. We secure the monitoring and reporting of EDM performance
to the Environment Agency through requirements on water and sewerage company discharge
permits.</p><p> </p><p>Defra and Government have introduced statutory requirements
on the water and sewerage companies to publish EDM data annually and in near real
time.</p><p> </p><p>There are also statutory requirements on water and sewerage companies
through the environment act for water and sewerage companies to monitor and report
on the water quality impacts of their discharges through installation of continuous
water quality monitors. The Environment Agency is supporting Defra in their technical
standards work around this monitoring and reporting and facilitating delivery by water
and sewerage companies through the Environment Agency WINEP PR24 and future programme.</p>
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