Strategic Policy Statement (SPS) for Ofwat<\/a> which was published in March 2022 makes it clear that protecting and enhancing the nation\u2019s water environment is a priority for this Government. It sets out the Government\u2019s strategic priorities for Ofwat for the next Price Review period. We expect water companies to use the next five-year Price Review period (PR24) to set bold and ambitious plans that deliver for people and the environment. This includes delivering substantial improvements to tackle storm overflows, as well as upgrades to wastewater treatment works and improvements to bathing waters.<\/p> <\/p>
New infrastructure will need to be paid for, and while water companies can attract private investment, this will also need to come from customer bills.<\/p>
<\/p>
Ofwat is currently scrutinising water company business plans for 2025 to 2030 to ensure plans meet the targets for environmental improvements and other obligations and deliver value for money for customers.<\/p>"}
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], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to ensure that additional costs on water bills are used to improve storm overflows.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
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In Defra\u2019s Plan for Water, there is a commitment for industry and businesses to develop low cost, effective microfibre filters in washing machines to capture microfibre and encourage their effective use.<\/p>
<\/p>
This approach is informed by the evidence that shows that there is not a sufficient benefit to the environment for legislating the installation of microfibre-capturing filters in all new washing machines. Recent analyses showed an estimated increased cost from between £30 to £122 for a microfibre filter per machine and user behaviour around disposal of captured microfibres can make render the filters ineffective.<\/p>
<\/p>
We have conveyed this to industry colleagues, and we look forward to receiving a response which will help us to progress the issue.<\/p>"}
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Defra engages stakeholders across industry (including large and small drinks producers, retailers, wholesalers, and the hospitality sector) to ensure we are learning lessons from other schemes (including the Scottish experience and the recently launched scheme in Ireland). This is to support industry as they move towards delivery. We are committed to continuing engagement and working collaboratively with industry to deliver a cost effective, well-functioning scheme.<\/p>"}
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There are already statutory duties on water companies and local authorities to carry out risk assessments and sample drinking water supplies for anything which would constitute a potential danger to human health. This includes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The Drinking Water Inspectorate has a guideline value on individual types of PFAS of 100 nanograms per litre. It was set in 2021 based on an assessment of existing scientific knowledge and agreed with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to be a robust level with an appropriate margin to ensure our drinking water is safe to drink. There is no evidence of PFAS concentrations above this value in drinking water supplies.<\/p>
<\/p>
Nevertheless, work is continuing with other government departments, regulators and the devolved administrations to assess levels of PFAS occurring in the environment, their sources and potential risks to safeguard current high drinking water quality and ensure our regulations remain fit for purpose.<\/p>"}
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We are committed to ensuring a high level of protection for human health and the environment. We have engaged with industry, academics and NGOs on our approach to managing the risks posed by chemicals now that we have left the EU. We will provide more information on our way forward in due course.<\/p>"}
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As part of our drive for better water quality, the Government has asked every water and sewerage company to present a clear assessment and action plan on every storm overflow they operate, prioritising those that are spilling into bathing waters and high-priority nature sites.<\/p>
<\/p>
The action plans will be published in due course, subject to assurance of the data provided.<\/p>"}
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