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Written question asked by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Thursday, 10 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 (named day). It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Southern Water: Sewage

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what level of rainfall above which a water company such as Southern Water has been permitted by the Environment Agency to discharge storm sewage.

Answer

There is no fixed rainfall threshold for a storm overflow to discharge. Storm overflows may only operate as permitted, with compliance assessed case-by-case against site-specific rainfall, flow and network conditions.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
28674
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Environment Agency Pollution Sewage Southern Water
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk