This week James took part in a Public Accounts Committee on water supply and demand management. As one of the driest county’s in the UK, having sustainable water supply is very important for Norfolk.
James led questioning of the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency on protecting and enhancing chalk streams.
England is home to 85% of the world's chalk streams and- West Norfolk is blessed with a number including the Nar, Burn, and Babingley. Their clear water flows from chalk aquifers - stores of underground water that are replenished when it rains. The Norfolk Rivers Trust has done much to restore these valuable habitats and eco-systems. However, ground water levels are low which means that chalk streams in England are running dry. We need a balanced approach that protects these streams while supporting farmers and industrial users who need water to operate.
James raised a report from the Rivers Trust and others from last year "Chalk Streams in Crisis - A call for drought action now".
He also challenged the Chief Executive of Ofwat, the water regulator, on the level of leakage which is 3 billion litres per day. The amount is about the same as it was 20 years ago He pressed Ofwat, the water regulator, on the need to deliver significant reductions. Anglian Water has one of the most ambitious targets with plans to reduce leaks by a fifth by 2025. Any water company failing to meet their targets should face financial penalties.
Finally, he pressed the Environment Agency on the "Love Water" campaign and urged a more ambitious plan to drive behaviour change. This is needed when the UK using 143 litres per person per day. That is the highest rate in Europe. We can all play our part – simply knocking a minute off a shower can save 10 litres of water.
