WWT urges action on "shocking" rivers

RS12333_WWT_141125_0088-scrAs the Environment Agency releases figures released today that reveal just 17% of England’s rivers are in good health, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is urging communities across England to make a stand and speak up for the wetlands, rivers, lakes and beaches that they love.

Latest Environment Agency improvements in gathering evidence have led to a truer picture of the health of England’s rivers, which is far worse than previous official figures suggested.

Blueprint for Water, a coalition of 16 environmental organizations including WWT, is urging everyone to respond to the Environment Agency’s current consultation on River Basin Management Plans, which determine how our water ways will be managed over the next six years.

The group has developed the Save Our Waters website to help people to easily respond to the consultation and help these watery places. Wetlands, rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries and beaches are essential for people and wildlife; not only are they used for pleasure (eg. walking, canoeing, fishing), but they’re also essential for drinking water, sanitation and flood management.

Janina Gray, Blueprint for Water Chair, said:

"The figures released today are shocking and show us that things are worse than we thought. Just 17% of England’s rivers are in good health. This is unacceptable and threatens wildlife and livelihoods. We shouldn’t ignore great efforts by wildlife groups, rivers trusts, water companies and others to make real improvements to our rivers but we clearly need a step change if we are going to make meaningful progress on diffuse pollution, abstraction and physical damage and that needs government to take action.

"It is more important than ever that everyone gets involved with this consultation. We’re asking everyone, as they plan their Easter break, to take two minutes to respond to the consultation via the Save Our Waters website."

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