As I’m sure you’re aware, storm overflows were designed to be used during extreme weather to prevent sewers becoming overloaded with a combination of sewage and rainwater, releasing diluted wastewater into rivers and the sea rather than letting it back up into people’s homes. However, climate change has led to increased rainfall and water infrastructure has not kept pace with development growth over decades across the country, and I am well aware of the concerns about these issues in our area.
I have recently held meetings with both Rachel Fletcher, the Chief Executive of Ofwat who regulate the water industry, as well as with Ian McAulay, the Chief Executive of Southern Water in order to better understand the ongoing work to improve capacity in and around Chichester, to mitigate environmental impacts, as well as the work to improve Southern Water’s performance and encourage a closer relationship between the District Council and the company moving forward.
It is reassuring to know that allowances for improvements and growth are factored into the financing arrangements agreed between Ofwat who are also working closely with the Environment Agency to ensure alignment on priorities to protect the environment as well as consumers. Many ideas were discussed and Southern Water are now focusing on several initiatives to improve capacity across our area.
I have met with Rebecca Pow, the Minister for the Environment, and was encouraged by the latest update from the Storm Overflows Taskforce, who have announced collective agreement on a long term goal to end pollution from storm overflows. Following recommendations from the Taskforce, made up of DEFRA, the Environment Agency, Ofwat, Consumer Council for Water, Blueprint for Water and Water UK, water companies will also be required to increase transparency around when and how storm overflows are used. I am pleased that water companies have agreed to make real-time data on sewage discharges available at bathing sites all year round, meaning surfers, swimmers and other water users can check the latest information, especially after heavy rainfall. They will also accelerate work to install monitoring devices to create a complete picture of their activity by 2023. You may be aware of the ‘Beachbouy’ service which I understand Southern Water have committed to continually improve.
I also know that Rebecca Pow met water company CEOs in September 2020 and made clear that the volume of sewage discharged into rivers and other waterways in extreme weather must be reduced. I am aware that water companies are already committed to a significant programme of improvements to the monitoring and management of storm overflows at a cost of around £1.2 billion, including over 700 schemes to provide environmental improvements by reducing spills from frequently spilling overflows. As part of this investment, ‘Event Duration Monitoring’ is currently being installed on most storm overflows to trigger investigations and improvements by water companies when overflows operate too frequently.
The Government will respond formally to the Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill during its Second Reading; however I assure you that making progress on this issue is a top priority and I am pleased that Ministers have committed to working with Philip Dunne MP on their shared ambitions to tackle sewage pollution in our rivers. Through the Environment Bill, sewerage undertakers will be required to produce a statutory Drainage and Sewerage Management Plan (DSMP) to actively address environmental risks, such as sewer overflows and their impact on water quality.
I hope you find this response helpful and thank you again for taking the time to contact me about this matter.
