25 Sep 2024
Analysis by the Pesticides Action Network has revealed that the Conservative government attacked pesticide residue safety limits on a range of common GB food items including blackberries, grapes, onions and potatoes. Between 2022 and 2024, safety limits were weakened for 115 types of produce. While most of the food types affected are fruit and vegetables, […]
18 Sep 2024
By Michelle Jackson, associate professor of freshwater/marine ecology at the University of Oxford Public outrage over river pollution has been heartening to see. Over the past few years, stories about sewage contamination in rivers have captured public attention, and prompted campaigns and protests, such as the forthcoming River Action UK march for clean water on […]
05 Sep 2024
The Royal Navy is helping to reintroduce oysters to the Solent after nearly half a century thanks to a unique project opposite Portsmouth Naval Base. European flat oysters are being reintroduced to the Solent through a joint MOD conservation project aiming to boost marine life and help clean the waters of the strait between the […]
03 Jul 2024
A boil notice remains in place for customers in the Higher Brixham, Southdown, Upton Manor and St Mary’s supply area, who are advised to continue to boil their drinking water before consuming it. South West Water last week lifted the boil notice for some affected customers. Properties in the Kingswear, Noss Marina, Hillhead Park and […]
26 Jun 2024
A new report from EarthWatch Europe based on a citizen science blitz over the weekend of 7-10 June has found that: 75% of data points across the UK showed poor ecological health with significant regional variation. The Anglian and Thames regions have the worst water quality with up to 89% of data points showing poor ecological health. The Solway […]
05 Jun 2024
The Liberal Democrats have announced a massive expansion of marine protected areas and a new Blue Flag status for rivers will be included in their general election manifesto. The plan would include legally binding targets to prevent sewage overflows discharging to those sites. The Telegraph, The Times and Independent reported on the Lib Dems’ pledge […]
05 Jun 2024
A new report from the Royal Academy of Engineering (National Engineering Policy Centre) looks at the priorities for mitigating health risks from wastewater pollution. This report examines the interventions available to reduce the public health risks associated with using open waters for recreation that may be polluted with faecal organisms from human waste in sewage. […]
29 May 2024
Following a recent consultation on charge proposals for water quality permits, the Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed that charges will increase significantly, especially for water companies. The proposals were covered in Water News in January. The EA has now published the outcome of the consultation, including the response summary, detailed summary of responses, list of respondents […]
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