A briefing note for this item will be circulated as a supplement, following the publication of the agenda.

Mish Tullar, Head of Corporate Strategy introduced the report providing an update on the Council’s engagement with Thames Water, noting two consecutive years of poor water quality and the Environment Agency's ongoing work to investigate pollution sources in detail. It was noted that the proposed Oxford River Action Plan would be informed by the EA’s findings, with action pending to address water quality concerns.

Cllr Corais joined the meeting.

Cllr Anna Railton, Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford was also in attendance to answer questions.

Cllr Ottino queried clarity of responsibilities between the Council and the Environment Agency, particularly regarding maintenance gaps. The Head of Corporate Strategy clarified that some flowing water bodies like brooks fall under the Council’s responsibility rather than Thames Water’s, though the laws on repair and ownership are somewhat unclear. He added that, while the ODS maintained gutters and roadsides on behalf of the County Council to mitigate fluvial flooding risks, options were limited during heavy rainfall.

Cllr Jarvis highlighted the value of regular meetings with Thames Water in addressing concerns. The Head of Corporate Strategy agreed, noting that current discussions focused on treatment works and recent executive changes at Thames Water, with improved engagement from government and EA officials. He mentioned that while broader member involvement had not been part of these talks, this could be considered in the future.

Cllr Henwood raised concerns about road runoff water, specifically mentioning Heyford Lane and asked if future mitigation was possible. It was clarified that this responsibility likely fell to the Highways Authority rather than the City Council.

Cllr Miles questioned the Council’s role in addressing domestic misconnections contributing to river pollution, particularly within Council-owned and housing association properties. The Head of Corporate Strategy responded that he was not aware of any Council enforcement responsibility. Cllr Miles suggested using Council influence to convene stakeholders on these impacts.

Cllr Henwood further queried the path of storm runoff from roads. The Head of Corporate Strategy noted that runoff was directed to various points, with some discharging into watercourses. Cllr Railton added that identifying pollutant sources in watercourses was an evolving but unresolved issue.

Cllr Miles asked about research or actions that could address domestic misconnections, seeking clarity on current or potential measures. Cllr Ottino questioned whether landlords would be liable for costs or if the Council would bear them.

Cllr Hunt raised the need for enhanced river water testing to support future Council action plans. Cllr Railton cautioned that while the Council may request testing, results were not guaranteed. It was explained that the Environment Agency, as required by DEFRA, was conducting a detailed study to identify pollutant sources, and once available, this data would guide the Council’s water quality efforts.

Cllr Mundy expressed concern about Thames Water’s financial stability and suggested the need for a contingency plan if the company ceases operations. It was assured that DEFRA and OFWAT have protocols in place to maintain operations in such a scenario.

The Committee noted the importance of planning for stormwater runoff and flash floods in the context of the climate emergency.

The Committee resolved to make the following recommendation on the report to Cabinet:

1. That the Council formally requests a structured meeting with Thames Water, for Council Members to put forward resident concerns about water issues in the city, and for officers to provide support in proposing the structuring of the meeting.
2. That Officers develop a proposal for council to convene multi-stakeholder dialogue event between Members, local Members of Parliament, industry and other water quality stakeholders to inform the content of a future Oxford City River Action Plan, to identify coordinated efforts to safeguard Oxford’s water resources for the future.
3. That the Council commissions a review by Officers to clarify its powers, obligations and the potential actions based on good practice to: identify and enforce existing domestic misconnections in residential properties that the council has control or influence over; and to prevent future misconnections, in order to safeguard against water contamination.

Cllr Railton and Mish Tullar left the meeting and did not return.