Water UK

River water quality improves again but changing demands mean a fresh approach is needed

06/10/08

The Environment Agency today underlined the major improvements in river quality achieved since 1990, when water and sewerage companies became part of the private sector – 76 per cent of rivers in England and 95 per cent in Wales reached very good or good status against chemical and biological standards. The equivalent figures for 1990 were 55 per cent and 86 per cent.

Water UK is pleased to note this progress and the agency's acknowledgement of "substantial investment by water companies" as part of the cause.

The new classifications have been drawn up in response to the Water Framework Directive, which requires assessment of quality against additional standards related to the overall ecology of the water body.

The classifications will be the basis of river basin management plans currently being drawn up by district panels made up of representatives from local authorities, business groups, water users and the water sector. Under the Water Framework Directive the most cost-effective solutions to pollution must be identified and remediation carried out according to the "polluter pays principle".

Barrie Clarke, Water UK Director of Communication, said:

"This latest river quality information is great news for everyone who enjoys or benefits from a healthy water environment. That includes all human life but also wildlife from the otter to the humble caddis fly.

"Water companies through large capital investment programmes, and water customers through water bills, have played the major part.

"Now the goalposts are moving and the most economic (if not the only) way of meeting the pressures of a densely populated urban society will be by sharing the responsibility and the cost between many different groups."

Environment Agency data

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For more information please contact:

Steve Ntifo, Science and Environment Adviser

Barrie Clarke, Director of Communication