Inland water
The latest figures show a long term increase in river water quality in England. We expect to have some of the highest quality water in the world, and an almost endless supply. However, pollution continues to cause problems for our rivers and lakes, and flooding also causes significant economic, social and environmental damage, at an estimated cost of over £1 billion per year. Key pressures on water quality and our water resources are climate change, high population densities, and land use patterns.
National Statistics
7/9/10 – River Water Quality indicator for sustainable development: (PDF)
7/9/10 – Explanatory note regarding WFD and changes to monitoring: (PDF)
7/9/10 – River Water Quality Indicator for Sustainable Development 2009 annual results : (Excel)
Additional Datasets
Freshwater Fish Directive
Compliance with the Freshwater Fish Directive (78/659/EEC) -river lengths
Compliance with the Freshwater Fish Directive (78/659/EEC) - lakes and still waters
River water quality
Percentage of groundwater bodies classified as Good overall status
Annual average concentrations of nitrates and orthophosphates by landscape type: 1980-2010, Great Britain
Average temperature and total rainfall in England and Wales : 1845 to 2009
Chemical quality of rivers and canals: 1990, 1993 to 2008
Biological quality of rivers and canals: 1990, 1993 to 2008
River Water Quality – East (discontinued)
River Water Quality – EastMidlands (discontinued)
River Water Quality – WestMidlands (discontinued)
River Water Quality – London (discontinued)
River Water Quality – NorthEast (discontinued)
River Water Quality – North West (discontinued)
River Water Quality – SouthEast (discontinued)
River Water Quality – SouthWest (discontinued)
RiverWater Quality – YorkshireHumber (discontinued)
River Water Quality – Wales (discontinued)
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