Environment Agency

Only 1 in 7 of England’s rivers, lakes and estuaries meet ecological standards. A charity stated that Environment Agency data suggests that the country's waters are considered among the filthiest in Europe.

A UK plastic manufacturer, Huntsman Polyurethanes, may face legal action from the Environment Agency over emissions of benzene, a carcinogenic chemical with no safe level. The agency is considering prosecuting the company for a potential breach of its licence in Teesside, northern England.

British farmers warn drought conditions in England and Wales could cause food shortages, with record-low rainfall and heat waves damaging crops and reducing water availability. The National Farmers’ Union highlights poor wheat and oat yields, increased production costs, and the need for improved water infrastructure to address climate change impacts.

July is set to be the driest month on record for England and Wales, with southern England receiving just 1% of its long-term average rainfall. Half of England and all of Wales are officially in drought as extreme heat linked to the climate crisis has fueled wildfires and water shortages for farmers, wildlife, and habitats.

Council leaders in England warn that water shortages and deteriorating infrastructure are threatening the government's housing targets. The east and south-east regions, declared in serious drought, face economic and environmental risks due to insufficient water supply.

Hundreds of dead fish were found in a river, which the Environment Agency attributes to a heatwave and drain water.

Half of England has been declared in drought following heatwaves, marking the second summer drought in two years. The Environment Agency has labeled the situation 'exceptionally serious'.

More than half of England is officially in drought due to scorching temperatures and very low rainfall, as declared by the Environment Agency.

More than half of England is officially in drought due to scorching temperatures and very low rainfall, as declared by the Environment Agency.

The UK government's plan to become an AI superpower overlooks the significant water demands of datacenters, risking competition with residential and commercial water needs, especially in drought-prone regions. Water UK warns that current forecasts exclude datacenter usage, hindering infrastructure planning and potentially blocking housing and business projects. The organization calls for new water infrastructure, efficiency standards, and non-potable water use to address growing consumption.

A former British water company CEO, Matthew Wright, has been charged with conspiring to manipulate water quality tests between 2012 and 2017. The Environment Agency and regulator Ofwat accuse him of orchestrating a five-year scheme to defraud regulatory bodies, amid public criticism of sewage pollution and government efforts to tighten water sector regulations.

The Environment Agency has initiated criminal proceedings against Matthew Wright, former CEO of Southern Water, and three other former employees for allegedly rigging wastewater test results.

Volunteers in the Cotswolds recorded high phosphate and nitrate levels in a river, raising concerns about pollution. They have urged the Environment Agency to investigate the issue.

Residents have expressed health concerns over a plan to increase waste burning at the Beddington incinerator. The Environment Agency has approved an additional 10% of waste to be burned at the facility.

The UK Environment Agency has published a watchlist identifying 28 illegal waste 'super sites' containing over 20,000 tonnes of waste each. This government effort aims to address the growing problem of illegal waste disposal across the country.

The Environment Agency conducted a study on Lake Windermere to find ways to reduce climate impact. The research aims to inform future actions at the lake. New methods will be developed based on the study's findings.

Signs warning people not to swim are in place at almost all of England's official inland river bathing sites due to concerns the water could be unsafe. This is a concern for public health and safety. The warnings are widespread across England's inland river bathing sites.

The Environment Agency is seeking abandoned goldfish to protect native carp in a lake. The goldfish were dumped and are endangering the native fish. The agency's action aims to preserve the lake's ecosystem.

Three companies paid a total of £33,500 to charity after investigations by the Environment Agency into slurry incidents. The payment is a result of the agency's probe into the incidents. The Environment Agency led the investigations.