Majority of England's rivers and lakes fail new environmental review

A review of England's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters reveals that only around one in seven are in good ecological condition, according to the first comprehensive assessment in six years. The Environment Agency (EA) found no waterway passed a separate test for chemical pollution, attributing the poor state to legacy substances like heavy metals and "forever chemicals" that accumulate over time.

Environment Secretary Angela Eagle acknowledged the need for significant changes across the water sector, emphasizing new laws to hold water companies accountable. Despite a record £22bn investment by 2030, the overall situation has remained largely unchanged since 2019. The government is on track to miss its target of restoring 77% of England's waters to good ecological status by 2027.

PFAS chemicals, also known as "forever chemicals," and antibiotics pose additional challenges as they are difficult to regulate and accumulate in the environment. The Environment Agency noted that the decline in lakes classified as good may be due to changes in assessment methods rather than an actual deterioration in water quality.