As more voices are raised and evidence flows regarding the shocking state of our rivers nationally, a new White Water plan ‘A New Vision for Water’ was unveiled on the 20th January, heralding a full overhaul of the existing disjointed and broken water system we currently suffer.
One Regulator
The intention is to have a single water regulator, who will be responsible to check the infrastructure on pipes and pumps to restore more reliable services to customers. The new reforms will also bring local councils, water companies, farmers and developers together to create joined-up local plans to tackle river pollution, water resources and housing growth – something that our county sorely needs with the never ending house building and the impending Universal Studios that will bring an unknown amount of extra pressure on our water and sewage infrastructure. Where possible we hope to be part of those conversations via the local council and the Environment Agency,
Operator Self-Monitoring of Waterways to Stop
One of the key outcomes in the Bill is that water companies will not be able to self-monitor their own sections of river for pollution. A new strengthened Open Monitoring approach will be taken using greater digitisation and automation to make data publicly accessible.
This is a pivotal turning point and one that we whole-heartedly welcome. However, we will continue to play our part in monitoring the River Great Ouse. In fact we intend to amplify our testing programmes in 2026 and beyond and working alongside the Environment Agency to highlight pollution in the River Great Ouse to identify the key culprits of the staggeringly high levels of Ecoli and nitrates that we see. The Bill is still yet to go to Parliament, so our data and evidence will be crucial to show incidents that are still happening.
Prevention as well as cure
Part of the new strategy for pollution is a ‘pre-pipe solution’ looking at rainwater management, including sustainable drainage systems and tackling sewer misuse- such as the new legislation in place which bans the use of wet wipes containing plastic and micro plastic. The new regulator will also be investigating issues caused by private sewerage, mainly in rural areas and working with the Department for Transport to review processes for run-off from roads. Agricultural pollution will also be addressed. This full system approach should assist in reducing flood risk and supporting biodiversity.
The Water Bill includes a whole raft of other measures that are aimed at putting the customer first, and you can read more on the Gov.UK site. In our view if it passes and can deliver, it will be a major step forward in securing cleaner rivers, and water security. We will be keeping watch on how the Bill progresses and update you through this column.
More Good News:
We would like to thank Paul Hutchinson, who kindly arranged a quiz night with the Bedford River Great Ouse Rotary Club, we had two teams enter and it raised a princely £300 to our funds. It was a fun night and we really appreciate the Club donating to our cause.
One to Watch:
If you are interested in understanding further some of the issues we have been tackling for the past three years, do take a look at the ’Dirty Business’ drama/documentary on Channel 4 on 23/24 February. Based on true events I think it will help be a turning point for public understanding of what is currently happening within our water ways.
