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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to prevent the growth of bacteria in water as a result of dog fouling.

For drinking water, sources are generally protected from any animal access, and where this is not possible, water companies use a multi-barrier approach, including treatment and disinfection to make sure the water is safe.

For bathing water, the 25 Year Environment Plan sets out our commitment to minimise by 2030 the harmful bacteria in our designated bathing waters and to continue to improve the cleanliness of our waters. The Environment Agency (EA) investigates if a bathing water is classified as poor or is deteriorating and works with local authority and other stakeholders to take appropriate measures to reduce pollution.

In addition, local councils have a duty to ensure that public areas are kept clear of litter and refuse. This includes removing dog faeces from certain types of land, including parks, picnic and recreation areas, car parks, pedestrianised shopping streets, and certain leisure beaches and promenades.