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There is still a lot of work needed to tackle agricultural and urban diffuse pollution, and over-abstraction of water

Sir,
According to the latest report from the Environment Agency (Rivers leap out of their grubby past, Aug 30) rivers across the UK are the healthiest they have been in 20 years and wildlife appears to be flourishing along many previously struggling rivers. This is very welcome news. However, it is also true that, according to European water quality standards, only a quarter of all rivers in the UK are healthy enough to support thriving ecosystems.

While there has been some great work done to tackle issues such as industrial pollution, there is still a lot of work needed to tackle agricultural and urban diffuse pollution, and over-abstraction of water. While the Environment Agency has highlighted signs of progress in some rivers these remain atypical, with species including salmon and eels struggling in the face of low river flows, high levels of pollution and invasive species.

To restore rivers to their former glory, we need to effectively safeguard local rivers and river wildlife from future pressures, by ensuring that a clear timeline is outlined for reforms to the current abstraction regime. We also need to ensure that more effective enforcement of environmental regulations is implemented to reduce the damage caused by diffuse pollution.

Dr Rose Timlett

Freshwater Programme Manager, WWF-UK, On behalf of Our Rivers
Letter to ‘The Times’ 01/09/11