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 has taken to work with relevant bodies to (a) assess and (b) improve the quality of tap water in Romford constituency.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has a statutory duty to monitor water companies’ compliance with the regulations in place in England to protect drinking water quality, and to take enforcement action where necessary. To ensure we continue to maintain our world-leading water quality standards, water companies carry out regular risk assessments and sampling to make sure that drinking water supplies remain safe. This includes Essex and Suffolk Water who serve the Romford Constituency.

Work is continuing across Defra and the Drinking Water Inspectorate to consider potential updates to the drinking water regulations to safeguard current high drinking water standards and ensure the regulations remain fit for purpose. This includes working with a range of external experts to inform and develop Government’s thinking on these matters.