Two new Bills, introduced as Private Members Bills, both with potentially significant impacts for water companies, are due to have their Second readings in Parliament on Friday this week.
The Chalk Streams (Protection) Bill sponsored by Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Green, had its First reading when it was presented to Parliament on Monday 21 October 2024.
The Bill addresses the creation of a category of protection for chalk streams for the purpose of providing additional protections from pollution, abstraction and other forms of environmental damage.
The Bill requires the Secretary of State to introduce regulations via a statutory instrument which may:
- set priorities for public authorities in relation to the protection and enhancement of chalk stream habitats;
- confer responsibilities and powers on public authorities; and
- create criminal offences punishable with a fine in respect of failures to comply with the regulations.
Before laying draft regulations before Parliament, the Bill requires the Secretary of State to consult the Environment Agency, Natural England, water companies, and the Chalk Stream Restoration Group.
Following the Bill passing into law as the Chalk Streams (Protection) Act 2025, the Secretary of State will then be required to report to Parliament annually on the implementation of the Act, including an assessment of its effectiveness.
The Poly and Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (Guidance) Bill was introduced by Liberal Democrat MP Munera Wilson and had its First reading when it was presented to Parliament on Tuesday 5 November 2024.
The Bill requires the Chief Inspector of Drinking Water to issue guidance to water companies on poly and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, including guidance about:
- monitoring and reporting of PFAS, including monitoring of PFAS in sewage overflows
- limits on the amount of PFAS that may be present in drinking water
- carrying out risk assessments in respect of PFAS
- the development of strategies in relation to PFAS
- for companies receiving bulk supplies of water for onward distribution
The Bill will be enacted via an amendment to the Water Industry Act 1991 and will be known as the Poly and Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (Guidance) Act 2025 when it enters into force.
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