In his final speech on water, Sir James Bevan reflected on the debate around water quality over his seven years as Chief Executive, saying that more facts and not assertions are needed on water and warning that it will be “particularly challenging” to achieve good status for all rivers in England.

Stuart Colville, Director of Policy at Water UK, the body which represents all the UK water companies, says that the water companies support the The Times and ‘i’ campaigns to improve the nation’s rivers and seas.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey has today demanded water companies a clear assessment and action plan on every storm overflow from every water and sewerage company in England, prioritising those that are spilling more than a certain number of times a year, and those spilling into bathing waters and high priority nature sites.

Findings from a new survey commissioned by Ofwat suggest a majority of the public trust their water company to ensure water quality, provide a reliable service and inform on problems. However, trust to deliver on all outcomes has steadily fallen over the last year, with half thinking water companies put the interest of shareholders/owners first.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has committed to long term plans which will help protect river quality in rivers in Special Areas of Conservation.

Anglian Water is starting work this month on two multi million pound schemes to install new storm tanks in Ivinghoe, near Luton, and in Woodhall Spa, near Lincoln,in line with new Environment Agency regulations.

The Environment Agency will today set out plans for a £1 million scheme to restore wetland habitat at Teesside a country park and open up the river for fish.

Anglian Water is set to upgrade Ashton’s Water Recycling Centre (WRC), near Northampton, installing new equipment which will remove phosphorous from wastewater, improving river water quality nearby.

Northumbrian Water is investing £5.6 million in upgrades to its wastewater treatment works in Dipton, County Durham, delivering improvements to local watercourses.

The Government has today confirmed that money from fines handed out to water companies for polluting rivers and seas will be re-invested in schemes that benefit the natural environment.