A major new national campaign is calling for urgent action to restore the health of the UK’s rivers, lakes and seas — and the South East Rivers Trust is proud to stand alongside partners across the Rivers Trust movement in supporting this vital moment for our waters.
The #CleanWaterNow campaign launches ahead of the forthcoming Water Reform Bill, described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen protections for rivers and secure lasting improvements for nature and communities.
Why this matters now
Healthy rivers are essential. They support wildlife, improve climate resilience, and provide vital benefits for people — from wellbeing and recreation to clean drinking water and flood protection.
Yet many rivers remain under pressure. Pollution from sewage, agriculture, road runoff and chemicals continues to impact water quality, while habitats have been lost or degraded over decades. Currently, just 14% of English rivers are in good ecological condition, highlighting the scale of the challenge and the importance of coordinated action.
The #CleanWaterNow campaign sets out clear priorities to help reverse this decline, including:
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Restoring nature alongside rivers through habitat creation and nature-rich river corridors
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Stopping pollution at its source through stronger regulation and accountability
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Strengthening the water system to ensure long-term protection for rivers and communities
From screen to riverbank
The issue of river pollution has reached national attention through campaigns and media coverage, including Channel 4’s Dirty Business and the accompanying Fountain of Filth installation in London, which highlighted the impact of sewage pollution on people and waterways.
This growing public awareness is helping build support for healthier rivers. Through the Clean Water Now campaign, you can join thousands of others calling for stronger protection of our rivers and cleaner water for people and wildlife.
The Fountain of Filth sculpture © Channel 4
A critical opportunity for lasting change
The campaign is supported by more than 40 environmental organisations and builds on growing national momentum to prioritise river recovery.
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of The Rivers Trust, emphasised the importance of this moment:
“Water is the life source of our landscape, and we need to start valuing it as such”
He highlighted the need for greater ambition, investment and joined-up action to restore rivers and create resilient landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.
Our role in restoring rivers in the South East
At the South East Rivers Trust, we see first-hand the difference that restoration and partnership working can make. Through habitat restoration, wetland creation, pollution reduction, and community engagement, we are helping rivers recover and thrive again for nature and communities.
National policy and local action must work together. Strong legislation, supported by evidence-led, catchment-scale restoration, can help secure the long-term future of our rivers.
How you can help
This is a crucial opportunity to ensure rivers receive the protection and investment they need.
You can help by supporting the campaign and making your voice heard. Together, we can help create a future where rivers are clean, healthy and resilient for generations to come.
Email your MP today and demand a law that stops polluters, fixes what’s broken, and delivers clean water − now: https://action.friendsoftheearth.uk/target/clean-water-now#
