Thank you for contacting me about pollution in rivers.
I appreciate the depth of your
concern about this issue. I am assured that the Environment Agency (EA) has
been working with water companies on chemicals investigations which have
included a range of pharmaceuticals discharges from in-treated sewage effluent.
I am aware that the EA has developed a Prioritisation and Early Warning System
for chemicals of emerging concern to ensure consideration of the potential
risks of emerging chemicals including to surface waters (both freshwater and
saline waters), groundwater and soils.
Further, this system allows
the EA to sift and screen any chemical substance nominated using, where
available, hazard data and environmental monitoring data to prioritise whether
a substance may be a possible chemical of concern in England. I understand that
many pharmaceuticals are included on this list.
I know that the Government will set
up a working group on pharmaceuticals in the coming months. This will
drive work forward, identifying evidence gaps, filling them where possible, and
eventually forming evidence-based policy.
Regarding pollution from sewage
discharges, the Government has made clear to water companies that they
must significantly reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows as a priority.
The Environment Act 2021 includes a duty on water companies to monitor the
quality of water and secure a progressive reduction in the adverse impact of
discharges from storm overflows. Finally, water companies will invest £7.1 billion
on environmental improvements in England between 2020 and 2025. Of this, £3.1
billion will be invested specifically in storm overflow improvements.
Once
again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further
assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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