Water firms must reduce discharges

AS the country gears up for water shortages it is interesting to see the huge profits made by various water companies.

This is concerning given the fact that we have seen significant sewage discharged by various companies into our rivers and the sea.

Raw sewage poses a huge problem for public health and the natural environment.

The water companies claim ‘poverty’ and yet Ofwat have confirmed that over the last 30 years they have received full funding to avoid such issues.

Water UK, which represents the water industry, claims that around £150 billion has been spent improving pipes, pumping stations, sewers and treatment centres since privatisation 33 years ago. They now suggest that more funding is required to address the issues!

Last October a proposal from the House of Lords to the Environment Bill that would place legal duties on the companies to reduce discharges was defeated by 265 MPs’ votes to 202.

Interestingly enough for the greater Bristol area, the Labour MPs (Darren Jones, Thangam Debbonaire and Kerry McCarthy) were in favour and the three Conservative MPs (Chris Skidmore, Jack Lopresti and Luke Hall) all voted against the

Lords amendment?!

I wonder if Chris, Jack and Luke could tell us why?

Dr Serena Sinclair

Bristol