Much has been written about our approach to water. Outlined below is our action to date and our plans going forward.
Since being elected in 2015, I have been clear that improving the quality of our rivers, streams and waterways is a priority. This is particularly important to me given the breadth of river ecosystems, especially chalk streams, we play host to in Suffolk. It is incumbent on us to protect them for the sake of our children and grandchildren. That is why making sure water companies invest, polluters pay, and catchment approaches and restoring and creating river habitats are prioritised is vital.
I have been a member of River Lark catchment partnership since its inception in 2015, championing the protection of our rivers. This seeks to restore water quality and addresses the issues of living in one of the driest areas of the country. The Lark is one of 12 chalk streams identified as a national priority. Last July, I met with the Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow MP, the Norfolk Rivers Trust and Water Resources East in order to sign a Memorandum of understanding covering two years of planning for implementing a flagship project at end of 2024.
Nationally, clear steps have been taken to eradicate storm overflows and develop a plan for water. The plan is underpinned by an understanding of concerns people have for the pressures our rivers, lakes and seas. The following actions will be taken:
- Increased investment for improvements
- Stronger regulation
- Tougher enforcement
It ensures that every source of pollution is tackled through an integrated catchment, locally-led approach, including storm overflows, agriculture, plastics, road run-off and chemicals. This approach is also crucial to ensure local voices are heard, and results happen. I have ensured that some of those involved in the work on the Lark have been in meetings, making our voices heard.
We are seeing results. Water quality in our rivers has improved with 67% less phosphorous and 79% less ammonia in waste water, but there is much more to do.
Investment includes accelerating £1.6 billion from water companies to spend on new and better infrastructure, now. More funding for catchment-scale groups from the Water Restoration Fund, more than doubling slurry grant funding for farmers to £34 million (up from £13 million) and launching a second round of the £10m Water Management Grant to fund more on-farm reservoirs.
Stronger Regulation means more EA inspections of wastewater treatment works, banning the sale of wet wipes containing plastic (subject to consultation), and new restrictions proposals on ‘forever’ chemicals that can be found in our waters.
Tougher enforcement includes unlimited penalties for water companies and tighter control over water company dividend payments, ensuring fines are put back into improving our water.
We know that these measures are working. Since 2015, regulators have concluded 59 prosecutions against water and sewerage companies, securing fines of over £144 million. In 2021, regulators concluded seven prosecutions against water and sewerage companies with fines of £90 million. In addition, water companies are investing £469 million between 2020-2025 to investigate new strategic water resources (such as new reservoirs). We are also providing grants towards technology, equipment and infrastructure to support the sustainable use of water in the agricultural sector through the Farming Investment Fund.
Water companies need to do better, but work is happening, and we should always remember we have the cleanest drinking water in the world.
In addition, I am pleased to see that chalk streams, which are similar to rainforests in their ecological importance will be designated as ‘high priority’ under the Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan, and many of us here are working to push for further protected status for these streams. We will deliver a number of flagship chalk stream restoration projects - ensuring water companies take action, making chalk streams a priority. The Lark needs to be top of the list for Anglia Water.
Furthermore, greater investment will be directed towards restoring chalk catchments, leveraging £1million in investment partnerships each year. This is the attention that our chalk streams and rivers deserve. We can now push on working with others to create a flagship catchment around the River Lark. We are the only political party to call water companies to account and have a plan. This is a complex problem with 100,000km of combined sewers in England stretching two and a half times around the earth; saying it can be fixed overnight is disingenuous.
To be clear, I have never, and will never, vote to allow sewage discharges into our rivers. I am only working to protect them.
