The UK Water Partnership has published a white paper on river health and restoring public trust, saying that trust in the management of the UK water environment is at a historic low. The Partnership is warning that many of the recommendations set out in the Independent Water Commission’s landmark report of July 2025 as a blueprint for water sector reform require legislative change - a process that is slow and risks losing public confidence.

Launching the paper, the Partnership says:

“Our rivers are under pressure, under scrutiny, and in many cases, are not meeting expectations. The public sees pollution — from sewage, agriculture industry, and road runoff — and is openly demanding greater accountability and radical change.

“So, who is accountable? The answer, too often, is no one. The system is fragmented, and no single body commands public trust. This must change.”

The white paper is a call to action to all stakeholders — regulators, water companies, environmental groups, and government departments — to act decisively and collaboratively to:

• re-define what good river health looks like.
• take immediate steps to address the root causes of pollution.
• demonstrate visible progress through investment and action.
• ensure no organisation uses transition periods as an excuse for inaction.

The Call to Action which opens the White Paper says:

“The public sees pollution — from sewage, agriculture industry, and road runoff — and is openly demanding greater accountability and radical change.

“The public wants action now...we cannot afford to wait.”

Click here to download the white paper River Health and Restoring Public Trust in full