A swan swimming in water with a pool of rubbish seeping towards it

Make 2026 the year polluters are made to clean up their act Safe water before profit

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Friends of the Earth is the UK's biggest grassroots network dedicated to protecting people and planet.

How to spot water pollution

We should be able to swim, paddle or walk alongside clean rivers bursting with fish, otters, kingfishers and many more. But whether it’s disgusting sewage or invisible microplastics, water pollution is plaguing our rivers and seas.

Learn how to spot water pollution and stay safe.

How to spot pollution in your river
Thick pea green sludge from toxic algal blooms staining shoreline rocks at Lough Neagh

News from our grassroots network

Your questions answered

Make a difference from your sofa

What we've achieved

From our campaigners and lawyers to local groups and supporters, we push for change on causes that matter to you, like:

  • Working with groups to protect local areas and make them more climate friendly.
  • Taking government to court over projects that harm our environment.
  • Fighting for environmental and social justice globally.
See what we've achieved
Our lawyers Katie and Will outside Court after Heathrow

In focus

The Fairness Test: a mandate for bold climate policy

19 Mar 2025 | 14.94 MB PDF file
The transition to a low-carbon Britain must be fair – meeting ambitious carbon reduction targets and tackling social inequalities.

Friends of the Earth's new report recommends what this means for key policy areas – access to transport, warm homes, jobs in key industrial sectors, participation in policy formation and how to pay for the transition.

Download the report to find out what a fair climate plan looks like.
Climate
Energy