Flooding, sewage spills into our rivers and other water-related concerns continue to be among the most frequent topics raised with me, writes the MP for Chesham and Amersham, Sarah Green.

And now, as we enter the time of year which traditionally sees the heaviest rainfalls, I know this will continue to be a frequently raised theme.

This year has seen some of the longest sewage discharges into local rivers in recent memory, lasting months without respite. In Chalfont St Peter earlier this year, residents and businesses spent months enduring sewage contaminated flood waters. Whilst prolonged heavy rainfall was partly to blame, a significant factor was the poorly maintained sewer infrastructure that was unable to cope with rising levels of groundwater.

These instances are part of a much bigger picture: A water industry that isn’t being properly held to account, by a regulatory system that isn’t fit for purpose. That’s why I was pleased to see the Government announce a new Independent Water Commission, which will be undertaking the largest review of the water industry since privatisation 35 years ago.

The current situation has seen much of the burden of holding the industry to account falling on the shoulders of volunteers. Local community groups and parish Councillors have found themselves at the forefront of these issues. They have had to become “citizen scientists” to navigate the technical aspects of these debates in order to help their local communities. I am both impressed and grateful for their diligence and dedication.

However, they are volunteers. They should not be responsible for holding the industry to account. That is what regulators are for - and we desperately need a water regulator with real teeth. I hope this new Commission brings forward strong proposals for reform, so that our citizen scientists can contribute ideas for how to help our waterways thrive, rather than merely survive.