Most of England's Rivers and Lakes Fail Review
A majority of England’s rivers and lakes have failed a new environmental assessment of their health, according to figures published on Thursday. Pollution from sewage, farming and industry has left waterways in poor ecological condition across much of the country. The findings add to mounting anger over the state of England’s water.
England’s rivers have become a lightning rod for public fury, with water companies accused of pumping sewage into them while paying out dividends and executive bonuses. The latest assessment, using stricter measures, lays bare how few waterways meet the standard for good health. Campaigners say it shows the scale of the clean-up needed and the failure of regulation to force it. The findings land as drought has lowered river levels, concentrating pollutants. Watch whether ministers and regulators toughen the rules on the water industry.