14 May 2024

Deeply concerning’ failures to properly implement regulations designed to protect rivers, lakes and coastal waters in England mean key targets for improvement will be missed, a report by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has found. As part of its role to monitor how environmental laws are working in practice the OEP has carried out […]

14 May 2024

Investigation in The Guardian The National Farmers’ Union lobbied to increase the amount of pesticides allowed in the UK’s drinking water and to allow farmers to spread manure more frequently as part of a post-Brexit loosening of environmental regulations, it can be revealed. Nick von Westenholz, the director of strategy for the lobby group, met […]

14 May 2024

Defra has announced that a total of 27 new wild swimming spots in England are being designated as bathing waters ahead of the summer and will immediately benefit from regular water quality monitoring. Following a public consultation, the new bathing water sites will be designated ahead of the 2024 bathing water season, which runs between […]

14 May 2024

A report launched by Stormwater Shepherds and CIWEM shines a light on the toxic cocktail of pollutants that runs off the UK’s road network and into our rivers and water sources every time it rains. The pollution comes from tyre particles, fuel spills and other vehicle fluids, road surface fragments, sediment and herbicides. These contain […]

14 May 2024

The UK, US, Italy, Canada, France, Germany and Japan, joined by the EU, have pledged to “promote effective, efficient, inclusive and just policies to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 to achieve clean water and sanitation for all,” along with other international water-related goals and targets. Other commitments included strengthening policy cooperation and […]

14 May 2024

The ICE has recognised 31 individuals with the new title of Resilience Champions for demonstrating that their projects are helping to build an inclusive, resilient and sustainable world. The programme, launched last summer by ICE President Prof Anusha Shah, aims to showcase best practice and inspire others working across the infrastructure and built environment industry. It aligns closely […]

14 May 2024

The government has announced £11.5m extra funding to boost tree planting, habitat restoration and flood management across England through the Water Environment Improvement Fund. Projects to be funded this year include: The Limestone Becks River Restoration project in Lincolnshire, which will provide improved habitats for wildlife from water voles to invertebrates; Phase II of The York […]

14 May 2024

On Wednesday 15 May, the Environmental Audit Committee considers what progress has been made in tackling water pollution and supply issues since it last examined the area in detail. It relates to the Committee’s 2022 Water quality in rivers report. Watch evidence from Defra, CIWEM, Water UK, Ofwat and others, covering infrastructure investment, resilience, regulation […]