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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of shortages in production of sodium hypochlorite on water supplies; and what steps he is taking to help alleviate that impact.

This is a devolved matter and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

Maintaining the strategic supply of chemicals to the water sector is a priority for government and industry. Chemicals are critical to water treatment processes for both the provision of safe drinking water and wastewater services to protect the environment.

We work continuously with the water sector to understand chemical supply issues and manage the strategic risks of interruption to drinking water supplies and wastewater. This includes frequent contact with the water sector, both specific companies and with Water UK, an industry representative body. We also frequently engage with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy who lead on chemicals sector supply chains.

The routine supply of sodium hypochlorite is a commercial matter for industry. We are monitoring the strategic supply of sodium hypochlorite to water companies, and we frequently encourage diverse and resilient supply chains. We will continue to do so to protect drinking water and wastewater services.