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Written question asked by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 May 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 May 2023 (named day). It was answered by Rebecca Pow (Conservative) on Monday, 15 May 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water: Sewage

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential risks of contracting (a) Hepatitis A and (b) E.coli as a result of sewage pollution into rivers and water courses.

Answer

The Secretary of State has many meetings with Cabinet Ministers and discussions between departments continue.

In August 2022 the Government launched the most ambitious plan to reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows in water company history - Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan.

In the Plan, we have prioritised protecting public health at bathing waters. Overflows that are causing the most harm to public health, or the environment, will be addressed first to make the biggest difference as quickly as possible.

E. coli is one of the standard faecal indicator organisms prevalent in sewage discharges but can also be found in agricultural runoff and road drainage. Bathing waters at beaches, lakes and rivers are designated under the Bathing Water Regulations 2013 to protect bathers’ health against faecal pollution. E. coli is one of the standards bathing waters are monitored for.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
183786
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Hepatitis Pollution Water Sewage Rivers E. coli Department of Health and Social Care
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk