Written question asked by Tracey Crouch (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 January 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 January 2012. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Monday, 20 February 2012 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

River Medway: Water Abstraction

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effects of excess water abstraction from the River Medway as the result of a drought order on (a) the environment, (b) the local ecosystem, (c) water quality, (d) pollutants and (e) agriculture.

Answer: Southern Water Services Ltd has not yet applied for a drought order. The Environment Agency is aware that it is considering applying for a drought permit to take additional water from the River Medway.Initial assessment of the likely impact of such a permit is included in the Southern Water Services Ltd drought plan.An application for a drought permit or order will be accompanied by an environmental assessment which will be scrutinised by the Environment Agency. This assessment will consider the impact on the environment and any other abstractions, for example agriculture.

Secondary information