The Rise of Water Pollution in the UK

Water Bodies Across the UK: An Urgent Call to Action

Did you know that 86% of the UK’s inland water bodies fail to meet pollution targets? This alarming statistic from the CIEH highlights a critical issue: our precious rivers and lakes are being contaminated at an unprecedented rate.

The Double Threat: Sewage Spills and Street Runoff

In just one year, sewage spills into England’s rivers and seas have more than doubled, jumping from 1.75 million hours in 2022 to a staggering 3.6 million hours in 2023. But there’s another silent culprit that’s slipping under the radar – street pollutants. Studies show that waste runoff from urban areas contributes to 18% of water body failures. These pollutants include:

• Heavy Metals: Zinc, cadmium, and copper that are harmful to fish.
• Microplastics: Tiny particles washed off from plastic bottles and cups.
• Toxic Chemicals: Substances that can cause brain damage, harm the immune system, increase cancer risks, and damage the reproductive systems of aquatic life.

Interactive Challenge: Spot the Pollutants

Next time you’re out for a walk in your local area, take a moment to notice the waste on the streets. Snap a photo of any pollutants you find and share it on social media with the hashtag #CleanOurWaters. Let’s raise awareness together!

The Impact on Our Rivers

According to John Bryden, Head of Improving Rivers at Thames21, “Many rivers can now only support a limited number of pollution-tolerant species due to years of accumulated contaminants.” This “toxic cocktail” of pollutants has largely gone unnoticed because of reduced environmental monitoring. Professor Alex Ford from Portsmouth University emphasises that without proper monitoring, it’s difficult to enforce environmental standards effectively.

Join the Conversation

What steps do you think should be taken to improve the monitoring and treatment of road runoff? Share your ideas in the comments below or join our online forum for a deeper discussion. 

A Collective Effort: Our Path Forward

Solving this crisis requires a united effort from multiple stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, local authorities, and environmental charities. The first step is implementing an effective monitoring system for road runoff. But we need your voice too!

Take Action Today

• Get Informed: Learn more about how street runoff affects our water bodies.
• Volunteer: Join local cleanup efforts organised by environmental charities.
• Advocate: Write to your local representatives to demand better environmental monitoring and treatment systems.

Together, we can protect our water bodies and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media for updates on our campaigns and upcoming events. Use #CleanOurWaters to stay in the loop and share your actions with the community!