New govt data reveals further decline in the health of England’s rivers and lakes

The government has today published its first assessment of the ecological health of England’s rivers, lakes and water bodies since 2019, revealing that only 14.3% can now be classed as having “Good Ecological Status” (GES).

At its last assessment, 16.3% of water bodies were considered as meeting the threshold, marking a 2% drop. The 2019 figures had already shown a worsening situation compared to the previous reporting period. 

Responding for Friends of the Earth, senior campaigner Paul de Zylva, said:

“The desperate situation facing our rivers and lakes is something we’ve long known about, so it’s almost difficult to be shocked by more bad news. But today’s figures are certainly unsettling – things are much worse than we thought. 

“The government says it’s acting tough on polluters and restoring nature, but the data shows few of our water courses are in a good state and none pass chemical pollution standards. Things have hit an all-time low.

"This sorry situation is a result of deliberate deregulation, far too much leniency in holding polluters accountable and a reluctance to act with the urgency needed for restoring our environment.

“The government can explain the data as it wishes, but the numbers don't lie. We desperately need ministers in the newly reshuffled Cabinet to start treating this with the seriousness it deserves. That starts with bringing forward a Clean Water Bill this autumn that matches the scale of the challenge we face.”

ENDS