Written questions

Water Supply

Commons · Question 116062 · Tabled 25 Feb 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 4 Mar 2026

Question

Asked by Martin Wrigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her Department has issued to water companies on installing backup systems to prevent pump failures following short-duration electricity outages.

Answer

Answered by Emma Hardy, 4 Mar 2026

Under the Security and Emergency Measures Direction (SEMD), water companies are required to maintain a supply of water during emergencies, including short‑duration power outages. The SEMD obliges companies to assess risks and implement appropriate measure...