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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what contingency plans he has put in place to ensure the provision of mains water to (a) businesses and (b) households in the event of severe weather conditions.

Section 208 of the Water Industry Act 1991, makes provision for directions to be given to water companies which require them to take specific action in the interests of national security, or to mitigate the effects of a civil emergency. The Security and Emergency Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1998, issued under Section 208, directs them to maintain plans to provide a supply of water at all times, even in an emergency.

Ofwat is reviewing the recent significant water supply issues some homes and businesses experienced in parts of England and Wales during the recent cold period. The review will look at the causes of the problems, and the response of water companies, with conclusions to be published by 15 June.

This government will act decisively on any recommendations from Ofwat’s review to ensure water companies work harder to minimise disruption to customers in the future.