Is English Water Quality Really That Bad?

October 7, 2020

The water quality of English rivers has been a hot topic in the news over the past three weeks, and one that isn’t set to go away now Feargal Sharkey has launched a legal campaign for clean rivers. 


Where it all started…

The Environment Agency published data detailing that all English rivers have failed to meet quality tests for pollution and that only 14% of English rivers are of good ecological standard. Whilst these facts were reported by the likes of the BBC, the Guardian and The Times, it’s important to note that in 2016, 97% of rivers were judged to have good chemical status. The Environment Agency argue that the significant change in results is attributed to the standard of tests used this year being tougher. The testing can now report the presence of certain chemicals which before, may not have been picked up, and to a more accurate level.


The cause of the pollution is firmly placed on raw sewage discharges by water companies directly into rivers, chemical discharges from industry, and agricultural run-off. That’s where Feargal Sharkey comes in, the river campaigner and former lead singer of the Undertones, has expressed his dismay at the lack progress on river quality over the last 17 years. With a popstar pushing the press, the problem doesn’t look set to disappear. 


So, what is the real problem here?

If you are a little confused, don’t worry we have asked our expert James Dodds to summarise. 


“The key problem is with the age of existing infrastructure and its ability to withstand storm events. At present, water companies hold legal permits which allow them to discharge untreated waste into rivers during exceptional storm events. However, as the volumes of effluent reporting to treatment works has increased, a disconnect between investment and that growth, and a general trend to more intense storms, the frequency and magnitude of the discharges has increased. There is therefore a muddle between poor legislation and regulation, lack of investment and the weather. I’m not sure that it is fundamentally the Environment Agency’s fault. 


How can we fix it? The problem isn’t going to go away until there is a significant increase in investment in sewage treatment capacity, coupled with the upgrading of sewer networks to replace combined sewers with separate storm drainage and sewer networks. At the moment that investment must come from the private Water Companies. You can do your bit by telling the Water Companies to make this investment.


With respect to wider water quality problems associated with road and rural runoff, there is an important role in the Environment Agency and DEFRA highlighting and reporting the issues and working with landowners and the highways authorities on an integrated catchment basis to develop projects and implement solutions.”


With no easy solution, the Environment Agency target for 75% of water bodies in England to be in Good Status as soon as possible looks unachievable. This however, should not stop the drive for success. 


Need our help?

If you operate in the industrial, highways or agricultural sectors you have to start somewhere, and we help our clients do exactly that. Whether you need help in identifying management or treatment solutions, conducting risk assessments for discharge permits, or controlling site runoff and drainage; our team of experts can support you to limit your impact on surrounding water bodies. Get in touch with our technical lead James Dodds on James@envireauwater.co.uk or 01332 871 882. 


Share

World Day to combat Desertification and Drought 2025

By Rachael Plant • June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?

Tom Onslow joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • June 12, 2025
Envireau Water is delighted to welcome Tom Onslow to our North Office in Richmond! Tom joined us at the start of the month from Western Australia, where he gained experience working as a Field Hydrogeologist. Prior to this, Tom graduated from Newcastle University with a Master of Earth Science (MEarthSci). Tom is experienced in both field and desk-based activities, including the supervision of water exploration drilling programs, conducting hydrogeological sampling and logging, carrying out pumping tests and analysis and designing and installing groundwater monitoring networks. Tom has also built a strong foundation in technical reporting, having contributed to a wide range of water-related projects, particularly across the mining sector. At Envireau Water, Tom will continue to develop his hydrogeological expertise and provide technical support across a range of sectors both on site and in the office.

Securing your Water Bottling Plant against Climate Change

By Rachael Plant • June 11, 2025
As the threat of climate change continues to grow, the occurrence of extreme weather events is becoming increasingly common across the UK, with the rising frequency of flooding and drought posing significant challenges nationwide. After the recent dry spell experienced across the UK, one thing is clear: climate change is a hazard affecting all industries and it is more important than ever for businesses to take proactive steps to secure their water supplies against these unpredictable weather events. We asked our Principal Hydrogeologist, Shona Symon , for her thoughts on the matter within the bottled water industry. Shona, can you explain the importance for operators to safeguard their water bottling plant against the impacts of climate change, and what challenges may arise if not adequately protected?
Show More

World Day to combat Desertification and Drought 2025

By Rachael Plant • June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?

Tom Onslow joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • June 12, 2025
Envireau Water is delighted to welcome Tom Onslow to our North Office in Richmond! Tom joined us at the start of the month from Western Australia, where he gained experience working as a Field Hydrogeologist. Prior to this, Tom graduated from Newcastle University with a Master of Earth Science (MEarthSci). Tom is experienced in both field and desk-based activities, including the supervision of water exploration drilling programs, conducting hydrogeological sampling and logging, carrying out pumping tests and analysis and designing and installing groundwater monitoring networks. Tom has also built a strong foundation in technical reporting, having contributed to a wide range of water-related projects, particularly across the mining sector. At Envireau Water, Tom will continue to develop his hydrogeological expertise and provide technical support across a range of sectors both on site and in the office.

Securing your Water Bottling Plant against Climate Change

By Rachael Plant • June 11, 2025
As the threat of climate change continues to grow, the occurrence of extreme weather events is becoming increasingly common across the UK, with the rising frequency of flooding and drought posing significant challenges nationwide. After the recent dry spell experienced across the UK, one thing is clear: climate change is a hazard affecting all industries and it is more important than ever for businesses to take proactive steps to secure their water supplies against these unpredictable weather events. We asked our Principal Hydrogeologist, Shona Symon , for her thoughts on the matter within the bottled water industry. Shona, can you explain the importance for operators to safeguard their water bottling plant against the impacts of climate change, and what challenges may arise if not adequately protected?

Bethan Joule joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • June 10, 2025
We're thrilled to welcome Bethan Joule to our growing Shrewsbury office! Bethan joins us as a Senior Hydrogeologist, bringing over six years of experience in technical roles at Wardell Armstrong. Prior to this, she graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with an MSc in Environmental Engineering in 2019. Bethan is experienced in preparing abstraction licence applications, delivering Hydrogeological Risk Assessments (HRAs), and overseeing a wide range of site investigations — including borehole drilling and hydrogeological testing - across multiple sectors, including minerals, waste, and construction. At Envireau Water , Bethan will be continuing to provide similar hydrogeological services to our extensive client base whilst also developing complimentary skills across our broad range of sectors.
Show More