England's Rivers Face Widespread Failure in Water Quality
Vast majority of waterways fall short of environmental standards, raising concerns over pollution and investment targets.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
Around 85% of England’s rivers have failed a critical water quality measure, according to the Environment Agency.
The assessment considers various pollutants, alongside the number of fish and invertebrates present in the water. Phosphate pollution, stemming from sewage discharges or agricultural run-off, stands as a leading cause for water bodies failing to achieve good ecological status.
Persistent chemical pollutants, including PFOS and PBDEs, have also been identified as significant contaminants in rivers. No single waterway managed to pass a separate test for chemical pollution.
Mercury contamination is another persistent issue, linked to abandoned metal mines and industrial processes. The UK government faces accusations of failing to act on toxic chemicals, with its plan to tackle PFAS chemicals reportedly not matching Europe's tougher stance.
Britain is also one of the few countries yet to ban mercury in dental fillings. The chief executive of River Action claims England's rivers remain among Europe's filthiest, poisoned by sewage from polluting, profit-driven water companies and by industrial-scale agriculture, including chicken manure runoff from intensive poultry units.
Chief Executive of River Action indicated that England's rivers remain among Europe's filthiest, poisoned by sewage from polluting, profit-driven water companies and by industrial-scale agriculture, including chicken manure runoff from intensive poultry units.
Water companies are investing a record £22 billion in environmental improvements by 2030. Yet, critics point to suppliers imposing hosepipe bans, blamed on prolonged drought but amid criticism that firms have not put enough money into tackling leaks.
A Water UK spokesman claims the health of rivers, lakes, and waterways is shaped by many different factors. These include agricultural nutrients and urban and transport run-off, as well as sewage.
The health of rivers, lakes, and waterways is shaped by many different factors.
The Environment Agency changed its assessment methods, meaning this year's data cannot be directly compared with 2019. The agency stated the two datasets were not directly comparable because it had updated its analytical methods.
England's water bodies are not predicted to reach good chemical status until 2063, according to the Environment Agency. The overall picture of water health has changed little since 2019, despite the £22bn earmarked for water company environmental improvements by 2030.