London, 6 September 2024 – The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) today expressed its support for the newly introduced Water (Special Measures) Bill, which aims to enhance the management and protection of the UK’s water resources. This legislative move is seen as a significant step towards ensuring sustainable water management and safeguarding public health.
DEFRA Announcement
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced the introduction of the Water (Special Measures) Bill, with Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs the Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues of water quality and infrastructure. Minister Reed stated, “This bill is a crucial part of our strategy to improve water management across the country. It will provide the necessary framework to tackle pollution, enhance water treatment facilities, and ensure that our water resources are managed sustainably.”
EIA’s Response
Peter Atchison, Chairman of the Environmental Industries Association, commented on the bill, emphasising the importance of adequate resources and local authority powers. He stated, “The Government must ensure that the Environment Agency has the necessary resources to conduct thorough investigations and enforce current regulations. Additionally, local councils must have the ability to impose conditions in planning to ensure that infrastructure for water treatment, water discharges, and sewage management is robust and effective.”
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Water (Special Measures) Bill introduces several key provisions aimed at improving the regulation and governance of water companies in the UK. Here are some of the main points:
- Executive Accountability: The bill strengthens regulations to make water company executives criminally liable for severe failures1.
- Bonus Restrictions: It gives the water regulator new powers to ban the payment of bonuses if environmental standards are not met1.
- Automatic Fines: The bill enables automatic and severe fines for wrongdoing2.
- Sewage Monitoring: It ensures the monitoring of every sewage outlet to prevent pollution2.
These measures are designed to drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry2.
However, the EIA have recommended that the Water (Special Measures) Bill should go further and include:
- Enhanced Regulatory Powers: The bill should grant the Environment Agency increased authority and resources to monitor and enforce water quality standards.
- Infrastructure Development: Local councils should be empowered to impose planning conditions that ensure the development of necessary water treatment and sewage infrastructure improvements.
- Pollution Control: Stricter measures should be implemented to control water pollution and protect natural water bodies.
The EIA believes that these measures are essential for the long-term sustainability of the UK’s water resources and the protection of public health. The Environmental Industries Association looks forward to working closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the bill.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact: Environmental Industries Association news@eiassociation.co.uk
