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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he plans to take to take to ensure drinking water is not contaminated by antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli and staphylococcus aureus.

Drinking water in England is very high quality. The Drinking Water Inspectorate is the regulator for drinking water quality, which is regulated through the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016. These include strict standards for microbiology to protect public health from pathogens, together with a general requirement for water to be wholesome. The safety of drinking water is confirmed through regular sampling programmes, and any breaches are investigated and enforcement action taken when necessary. Water companies adopt a water safety planning approach, in line with WHO advice. Risks are identified, reported to the Inspectorate, and mitigated before they lead to any deterioration in quality or impact on consumers

Drinking water is treated in England and disinfected to protect consumers. Disinfection is highly effective against viruses and bacteria, including E. coli and staphylococcus aureus, and is not affected by anti-microbial resistance, because it relies on a different inactivation process, either using chlorine or UV disinfection.