The most problematic pollutants are chemical wastewater, agriculture and industrial
Since the last measurement in 2016, 16% of the waters were considered favorable. The new numbers show a complete lack of progress in achieving 100% clean water in the country.
Environment Agency chief Emma Howard Boyd said water quality in the UK had stabilized since 2016. According to her, it's not good enough.
New data showed that only 14% of riversconsidered habitable for wildlife. Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said urgent action was needed to reduce wastewater discharges and tackle pollution from agriculture and chemicals.
We still have plans to improve water quality in at least 75% of our waters in order to get closer to their natural state as soon as possible.
Rebecca Pow, Minister for the Environment
Dr. Janina Gray of Salmon and Trout Conservation said the river quality was one of the worst in the UK.
She blamed the "dismal" picture on a lack of political will from elected chiefs, a lack of investment and a sharp cut in Environment Agency monitoring.
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