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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the 30-day constant rate water quality trial, conducted at the Blackford public water source in South Harefield in April and May by Affinity Water Ltd and HS2 Ltd, found any construction-related changes to the water quality at that site, prior to plans to restart abstraction at Blackford pumping station.

The Environment Agency is aware of the trial at the Blackford public water source in South Harefield in April and May, however, the Environment Agency has not yet seen the results. Affinity Water expect to finalise the trial’s report in October and the Environment Agency expects to see it then. Any action carried out by the Environment Agency will be dependent upon the result of the trial. The Environment Agency continues to provide advice and guidance to both Affinity Water and HS2 Ltd.