Written questions

Water: Industry

Commons · Question 29041 · Tabled 10 Sep 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 16 Sep 2026

Question

Asked by Freddie van Mierlo

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to amend (a) environmental permitting and (b) waste licensing requirements to facilitate the reuse of treated wastewater for non-potable industrial uses.

Answer

Answered by Emma Hardy, 16 Sep 2026

Defra is exploring opportunities for businesses to use treated wastewater instead of drinking water or water taken from the environment. The Environment Agency supports innovation and wastewater treatment approaches where there is sufficient evidence, reg...