MP playing to the CROWD on water quality

MP Chris Loder has launched a Clean Rivers of West Dorset (CROWD) taskforce to examine the performance of Wessex Water and to press for improvements to water quality across the area.

Mr Loder set up CROWD earlier this year, with the support of local river groups and catchment partnerships, to take positive action to clean up West Dorset’s rivers and coastal waters. By pooling resources and data and sharing local knowledge, CROWD is working to hold water companies to account.

He said: “The launch of CROWD comes at a time of significant progress in terms of improving our nation’s waterways.

“Ofwat’s changes will mean shareholders of polluting companies will not receive big payouts –something I have long argued was wholly wrong. Potential civil liability penalties for water companies has risen from £250,000 to £250 million and greater powers have been given to Ofwat and the Environment Agency to crack down on Water Companies not fully committing to slash their sewage discharges.”

The launch of CROWD at Charmouth Village Hall was attended by representatives of Wessex Water, who were questioned on the performance of the company.