Key Facts about: Inland Water Quality and Use
Biological river water quality: 1990-2006
United Kingdom
|
Percentage of rivers of good quality |
|||||||
|
1999 |
2000 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
|
Scotland |
.. |
87 |
86 |
88 |
87 |
87 |
88 |
|
Wales |
79 |
78 |
79 |
79 |
79 |
80 |
82 |
|
England |
60 |
67 |
68 |
69 |
70 |
71 |
71 |
|
Northern Ireland |
.. |
61 |
57 |
57 |
51 |
56 |
54 |
This is a UK Government sustainable development strategy indicator
Biological grading is based on the monitoring of small animals (invertebrates) which live in, or on the bed of, rivers and canals.
Between 1990 and 2006 the percentage of rivers of good biological quality in England rose from 60 to 71 per cent. In 2006, 54 per cent of rivers in Northern Ireland and 82 per cent of rivers in Wales were of good biological quality.
In Scotland, 88 per cent of rivers were of good quality in 2006 based on a combined chemical, biological and aesthetic assessment, compared to 87 per cent in 2000.
- Notes:
- [1] Scotland network changed from 2000
- [2] Northern Ireland network expanded significantly in 2002.
In Detail:
- Biological river quality surveys
- River Water Quality Database providing data on chemical and biological river water quality and nutrient concentrations for each Government Office Region and Local Authority in England and Wales.
Further Information:
- Source:
- Environment Agency, SEPA, Environment and Heritage Service
- Press Release:
- River Water Quality framework indicator for Sustainable Development: 2006, 28 August 2007 (272/07)
- Key Facts:
- Chemical river water quality
- Nitrate concentrations in rivers
- Phosphate concentrations in rivers
- Water pollution incidents
- Drinking water quality
- Sustainable Development Indicators:
- Protecting our natural resources and enhancing the environment: River water quality
- Explanation of indicators
Data Tables:
Download Chart Data: Microsoft Excel
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Page last modified: 28 August 2007
Page published: 28 August 2007