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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to tackle the lack of access to mains running water for residents of Aysdalegate Cottages in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency; and what steps he plans to take to help ensure those residents have access to a reliable and safe water supply.

Private drinking water supplies are regulated by local authorities, who receive scientific and technical advice from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). To ensure water is safe to drink, local authorities sample and identify water quality risks, can serve notices to correct any issues identified, and have remedial powers if those responsible for the supply do not comply with the notice.

To secure a reliable and sufficient supply, legislation allows a water company to charge for the cost of making a new connection. As the independent economic regulator, Ofwat ensures companies are acting responsibly and transparently in the services they provide and set charges that reflect the cost of undertaking the work.

The DWI regularly publishes research on private water supplies, which helps local authorities to conduct risk assessments and to fulfil their regulatory responsibilities. Defra also works closely with DWI to ensure the provision of safe, clean drinking water.