Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Water Industry Must Protect Our Precious River Habitats
23 September 2003
Friends of the Earth today called on the water industry to take greater steps to protect water quality in the British countryside, following an Environment Agency report [1] showing high levels of pollution in important river wildlife sites.
The Agency found that nearly one in five rivers designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest are failing to achieve top water quality classifications as a result of pollution from sewage treatment works and agriculture.
Friends of the Earth Campaigns Director Mike Childs said:
"Although there have been improvements in river quality over recent years, much more needs to be done to protect our best wildlife rivers from sewage and agricultural pollution. Rivers provide some of Britain's most precious habitats and are home to cherished wildlife such as otters and kingfishers. Cleaning up rivers in our cities and towns has been shown to have economic benefits as well as helping the environment, but we must ensure that water quality is protected along the whole water course. The water industry must be forced to put environmental improvements above the short-term interests of shareholders."
Notes
[1] See www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news
-->
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
