31 Mar 2022
Largest overhaul of sewer system to tackle storm sewage discharges
Consultation on the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan outlines a step change in how water companies tackle the number of discharges of untreated sewage. Water companies will face strict limits on when they can use storm overflows and must completely eliminate the ecological harm any storm sewage discharges cause to the environment and significantly reduce […]
31 Mar 2022
Strategic policy statement for Ofwat published
Policy paper: The UK Government has published as final the Strategic Policy Statement (SPS) for Ofwat. The Strategic policy statement sets out the government’s priorities for Ofwat’s regulation of the water industry in England. Ofwat must carry out its functions in accordance with this statement. This is set out in Section 2A of the Water Industry Act […]
31 Mar 2022
25-year vision to help predict and manage flood risk released
A flood hydrology roadmap recently released sets out a vision to help scientists and practitioners better predict future flood events and improve flood resilience across the UK. The roadmap, which brings together the views of more than 100 experts from over 50 organisations, will improve hydrological data, models and science which can be used to inform […]
31 Mar 2022
Microplastics found in human blood for first time
Microplastics found in human blood for first time Microplastic pollution has been detected in human blood for the first time, with scientists finding the tiny particles in almost 80% of the people tested, the Guardian has reported. The discovery shows the particles can travel around the body and may lodge in organs. The impact on […]
31 Mar 2022
Scotland’s rivers in recovery after £3.7m investment
Scotland’s rivers, lochs and wetlands are being restored back to good health, thanks to support from NatureScot’s Biodiversity Challenge Fund. In the past three years, the Scottish Government has invested £3.7m in 27 freshwater and river restoration projects across the country, using innovative, nature-based solutions to help reverse biodiversity loss and mitigate against the effects […]
31 Mar 2022
Bitterns make recovery in UK wetlands
Britain’s loudest bird, the “booming” bittern, is making a recovery after almost disappearing from the UK twice. The RSPB reported the birds had had a “record-breaking year” in 2021, with 228 males counted, up from 209 in 2019. Ornithologist Dr Alex Lees described it as a “spectacular conservation success story” thanks to the restoration of wetland habitats. […]
31 Mar 2022
Ofwat awards £5m to accelerate tech solutions to leaks, pollution and water quality
On World Water Day, the English and Welsh water regulator, Ofwat, has awarded £5.2m to innovative projects using new technology and cross-sector collaborations to improve water quality, reduce pollution and enhance services for consumers. Between now and the summer, the Water Breakthrough Challenge will award up to £39m to projects across England and Wales. The […]
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