DEFRA Minister praises Clean Water Sports Alliance on their calls for clean water

In an open letter to the Clean Water Sports Alliance (CWSA), Emma Hardy MP, Defra Minister for Water and Flooding, praises the 11 National Governing Bodies for their ‘tireless advocacy’ in cleaning up our waterways.

Emma Hardy MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs complimented the CWSA writing:

“Your passion and persistence have helped keep water security and river health on the national agenda, and we value the important role you play in holding governments to account”.

The Minister goes on to write:

“We share your commitment. Ensuring clean, secure and sustainable water resources has been one of our top priorities. That's why we've taken decisive action to improve the health of our rivers, lakes and seas, invest in critical water infrastructure, and deliver reforms that put long-term water security and environmental outcomes front and centre”.

Read the open letter to the CWSA.

The letter goes on to outline the key actions that the Government has delivered to date, as well as the outcomes they are achieving for communities, industry, and the environment:

The Water (Special Measures) Act provides the most significant increase in enforcement powers to the regulators in a decade, giving them the teeth they need to take tougher action against water companies.

In October last year, the UK and Welsh governments launched an independent commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe and supported by expert advisors, to recommend reforms to reset the water sector regulatory system.

On 27 February, the Commission launched a wide-ranging Call for Evidence, which is open for views from all interested parties until 23 April. This will inform the Commission's recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments in June.

A record breaking £104 billion commitment from companies to invest across the sector to support development, drive economic growth, and improve environmental outcomes.

This increased investment will support a 45% reduction in storm overflow spills (compared to 2021 levels) through upgrades to thousands of overflows, and it will improve water quality by upgrading over 1,700 wastewater treatment works.

In March, the Secretary of State announced reforms to modernise bathing waters regulations, that could see swimmers enjoying cleaner water, flexible seasons and more recreational users included within the definition of ‘bathers'.

Phil Horton, RYA Environment and Sustainability Manager said: “We welcome the Minister’s recognition of our efforts and also the pace which this government has applied to tackle this huge problem.

We know there is still much more that needs to be done and we look forward to seeing what recommendations the Water Commission propose. The Alliance will continue to urge the Government to prioritise the issue of water quality, on behalf of thousands of people who love to spend time on, in and around the water”.