Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has announced his support for the Government as they announce changes in how water companies tackle the number of discharges of untreated sewage. Under new rules, water companies will face strict limits on when they can use storm overflows, and must also completely eliminate the ecological harm any storm sewage discharges cause to the environment and significantly reduce discharges.
The announcement also contains plans for how water companies will be better held to account when they are not meeting expectations. This includes a new monitoring and reporting framework which will strengthen the ability of both Ofwat and The Environment Agency to take enforcement action when required.
This move is of particular significance to Moore and his constituents given local campaigns to improve the quality of water in rivers. Moore has spoken in Westminster on multiple occasions since being a MP about the importance of holding Water Companies to account to ensure they clean up their act and that they lay out a plan to deal with eliminating the use of storm overflows. With a section of the River Wharfe in Ilkley now having bathing water status, Yorkshire Water are obligated to set out and deliver an investment strategy on how significant improvements will be made. Just last week, Yorkshire Water held a public meeting in Ilkley updating residents on the progress the company is making to improving water quality in the Wharfe. A public consultation has been launched on Yorkshire Water’s plans, and Moore has urged his constituents to get involved by taking part in a survey on the DEFRA website.
Robbie Moore MP said: “I am pleased the Government has released further information and comprehensive plans on how they intend to implement the biggest ever overhaul of sewer systems. In Ilkley, Yorkshire Water use their storm overflow tanks far too often, and we have all seen time and time again raw sewage entering the Wharfe on multiple occasions as a result.
The latest announcement from Government sets out plan that will ensure Water Companies are better held to account, and put an onerous on Water Companies to make vital progress on eliminating the environmental impact of storm overflows, limiting discharges into bathing waters and reducing surface water connections. I welcome the fact the government are now setting specific targets to ensure that those storm overflows are used only in exceptional circumstances.”
