Thames21’s response to Defra’s Water (Special Measures) Bill

“The introduction of this new Water (Special Measures) Bill from the government is very welcome news. Along with other river trusts and campaigners, Thames21 have been advocating for years for the government to give the regulators more powers to take tougher action on water companies that pollute our rivers. Allowing the Environment Agency to issue fines more quickly without having to direct resources to lengthy investigations is very welcome.  

“Yet, we call on the government to make the fines more severe to deter water companies from polluting our waterways.  

“In fact, the regulators have always had powers to hold water companies to account. For instance, the Environment Agency already has powers to recover costs to ensure water companies bear the cost of enforcement action.  

“Strengthening the power of the Environment Agency will help to improve the consistency in its regulator and enforcement functions. We understand that real progress has been made since February in expanding its staff and increasing its inspections since the start of the year. 

“We also understand that there have always been variations in enforcement between the different regions of the Environment Agency. Yet, a consistent and ‘central’ approach will be key in tackling pollution. To date, pollution incidents and enforcement has been defined by its ecological impact – usually fish kills*.

“If guidance on enforcement is still based on solely on ecological impact, then little will be done about pollution incidents in areas which have historically been affected by significant and regular pollution issues. To restore these rivers a new enforcement system which includes ecological impact of pollution but also takes into account the baseline ecology of the river and why it may not be reaching government targets is needed.

“Elsewhere, introducing independent monitoring of every sewage of outlet with water companies required to publish real-time data for all emergency overflows is a step in the right direction.  

“Nevertheless, although we welcome the government’s decision for a ‘three-staged’ approach to look at wider water sector reform, we do urge them to look at more measures to ensure that water companies invest at the scale and pace that is needed.  

“We also urge the government to set more ambitious and immediate targets for greater investment in sewerage infrastructure and promote nature-based solutions such as wetlands and rain gardens to help restore river health for wildlife and for people.  

“We look forward to seeing more detail on how the government intends to transform the water sector to increase the resilience of water supply, tackle pollution and improve rivers.” 

 *the sudden destruction of large quantities of fish, as by pollution