Trust in the management of our water environment is at a historic low.
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.
In July 2025, the Independent Water Commission delivered a landmark report, a blueprint for reform. Many of its recommendations require legislative change, a process that is slow and risks losing public confidence.
The public wants action now.
We cannot afford to wait.
This white paper is a call to action to all stakeholders — regulators, water companies, environmental groups, and government departments — to act decisively and collaboratively. We must:
-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.
Check out the full white paper below written by Adrian Rees from ARC, Jim Marshall from AECOM and Lauren McMillan from Northumbria University.