Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps his Department has taken to improve water quality; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of these steps on (a) public health and (b) environmental sustainability.

The Government published the Plan for Water in April 2023. The Plan is our comprehensive strategy bringing together the significant steps we have already taken with a suite of new policy actions. The Plan is underpinned by Increased investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement. Improving public health and delivering environment sustainability were core elements built into the Plan to ensure we improve our water environment for people and wildlife. Public Sector Equality Duty and Environmental Principles considerations are factored into delivery of Plan for Water policies as is standard for all government policies.

In addition to the commitments in the Plan for Water, government monitors water quality at designated bathing waters and shellfish waters in England for public health.