All bodies of water in England polluted with toxic chemicals, official data shows
Summary
New government data shows that every river, lake, and estuary in England is polluted with toxic chemicals. Only 14.3% of surface waters meet good ecological quality levels, and full chemical cleanup is not expected until around 2063 due to persistent pollutants like mercury and PFAS chemicals.Key Facts
- All English surface waters failed to meet good chemical status in the latest government assessment.
- The Environment Agency tested for toxic chemicals including PFAS (also called forever chemicals), mercury, and flame retardants (PBDEs).
- These harmful chemicals do not break down easily and build up in the environment.
- The official goal is for all waters to reach good chemical and ecological status by 2027, but this is unlikely.
- Mercury exposure can damage several body systems including the nervous and immune systems.
- Only 14.3% of England’s waters have good ecological status, a small decline since 2019.
- Pollution sources include water companies, agriculture (like fertilizer and pesticide use), and industrial farming runoff.
- The Environment Agency is working to better understand pollution and its sources to improve water quality.
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