Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative) on Monday, 28 June 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 July 2021. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Monday, 12 July 2021 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Inland Waterways: Phosphates

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the primary sources of phosphates present in English watercourses are from (1) agricultural activities, (2) water industry discharges, or (3) other activities.

Answer

The overall largest source of phosphorus entering English rivers is effluent from water industry sewage treatment works, contributing about 70% of the total phosphorus loading. 25-30% of phosphorus entering rivers comes from agriculture. For lakes, agriculture tends to be the largest contributor.

Other sources of phosphate are relatively small (less than 5%) at a national scale but can sometimes be important at a local level. These include effluent from septic tanks, road/urban runoff, leaking sewers and storm overflows.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1485
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Inland waterways Phosphates
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk