A Bill to provide for mandatory targets and timescales for the ending of sewage discharges into waterways and coastal areas; to make provision about the powers of Ofwat to monitor and enforce compliance with those targets and timescales; to require water companies to publish quarterly reports on the impact of sewage discharges on the natural environment, animal welfare and human health; to require the membership of water company boards to include at least one representative of an environmental group; and for connected purposes.
The Sewage Discharges Bill would set binding targets and deadlines to end sewage discharges into rivers, lakes and coastal waters. It would give Ofwat stronger powers to monitor and enforce these targets, require water companies to publish quarterly reports on how discharges affect the environment, animal welfare and human health, and require at least one environmental representative on water company boards.
The bill is at the Second Reading in the House of Commons, where MPs discuss its general principles. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage for detailed examination.
Generated 21 February 2026
The 2021-2022 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
