§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the level of untreated sewage discharge released by storms or flash floods. [14036]
§ Angela EagleSewerage systems are designed to handle the expected normal sewage load through continuous, controlled and treated discharges. Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) operate when this predetermined level is exceeded as a result of rainfall run-off entering the sewer. The sewage will be considerably diluted by the rainwater causing the overflow.
271WExcept in areas of exceptionally high amenity value, these CSOs are not routinely monitored, so it is not possible to estimate the level of untreated sewage discharged in this way. However the design and construction of new and refurbished storm water overflows are controlled on a site specific basis by the Environment Agency on the principle that the frequency of discharge should be related to the dilution available and the uses made of the receiving water.
§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what was the level of sewage leakage for each of the water companies in the last year for which figures are available; [14035]
(2) what plans the Government have to implement targets for a decrease in sewage leakage. [14037]
§ Angela EagleLeakage from sewers cannot be measured in any meaningful way and there are no plans at present to set sewage leakage targets. However, information on the condition and serviceability of assets was collected by the Director General at the last periodic review. Only 3 per cent. of critical sewers and 2 per cent. of non-critical sewers were in the worst condition grade. The Director General has asked companies to report on the state of their sewers in the asset inventory and serviceability return to Ofwat next summer, as part of the periodic review process.