The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has launched a new inquiry into the regulation of the UK water sector.

MPs on the Parliamentary Committee will investigate how well the water industry serves consumers and the environment, how innovation can be encouraged and whether current regulatory enforcement mechanisms are fit for purpose. It will consider the potential benefits of regulatory divergence post-Brexit.

Announcing details of the inquiry, Neil Parish MP, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, said:

“The water industry is facing a number of challenges. As the UK’s population increases and the impact of climate change becomes more apparent, pressure will be put on water resources and the industry’s ability to provide a reliable and safe supply of water to commercial and domestic consumers.

“Ofwat has recently criticised water companies for their performance around incidents of leakage and pollution, as well as of their financial arrangements. Our inquiry will scrutinise this essential industry closely and, where necessary, lay out the steps necessary to resolve any issues that are identified”.

The Committee is seeking in particular written submissions that address the following issues:

• Is regulation of the water industry improving outcomes for consumers and the environment?
• Is the water industry adequately delivering a “twin-track approach” of increasing water supplies and reducing water demand?
• How can innovation be increased in the water industry?
• Are penalties and enforcement mechanisms encouraging responsible behaviour?
• Are there any potential benefits for the environment that could be achieved though regulatory divergence post-Brexit?

Deadline for submissions, which should be made online, is midnight on Wednesday 6 June. Click here to access the online portal.