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Written question asked by Navendu Mishra (Labour) on Monday, 4 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 March 2024. It was answered by Robbie Moore (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 April 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

River Mersey: Water

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to improve the quality of water in the River Mersey.

Answer

We are committed to continue to improving water quality and are delivering the record investment, the stronger regulation and the tougher enforcement to improve our water for our own health, for nature and the economy. For example, on 20 February we announced plans to more than quadruple Environment Agency (EA) water company inspections, strengthening oversight, reducing the reliance on self-monitoring.

The EA has been working with United Utilities in Stockport and in the upstream catchments of the River Tame and River Goyt. Within the current investment programme (2020-2025) there are improvements due to be completed at 2 storm overflows and at 6 of the wastewater treatment works in the upstream catchments. EA has also been working with United Utilities on their investment programme for 2025-2030.

The EA also have national programmes investigating persistent chemical failures and historic sources of chemicals across the Mersey catchment.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17003
Session
2023-24
Related items
River Mersey: Water
Friday, 17 May 2024
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Standards Water River Mersey
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk