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Written question asked by Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 September 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water: Standards

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the risks posed to recreational water users, including paddlers, by sewage discharges such as those affecting Torbay; and what steps she is taking to ensure the Clean Water Bill addresses the health and safety of people who use rivers, lakes and coastal waters for recreation.

Answer

Public health is being prioritised. The Clean Water Bill will deliver cleaner rivers, lakes, and seas, including by providing the legislative tools to ensure targets are ambitious and enabling pre-pipe solutions to reduce sewage spills.

The Environment Agency (EA) monitors water quality at designated bathing waters, including 15 in Torbay, testing for bacteria which indicate faecal contamination and potential risks to human health. Where bathing waters have poorer or deteriorating water quality, the EA works with partners to understand the causes and identify opportunities for improvement. This helps people to make informed choices about where and when to enter the water.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
28080
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Pollution Standards Water Regulation Sewage Swimming
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk