Reducing Pollution and Improving Water Quality

Overview

Clean water is essential for thriving wildlife, resilient communities and a healthy environment. Yet many rivers across the South East are under pressure from pollution — from sewage and urban runoff to agricultural and road drainage. 

We work across entire catchments to reduce pollution at its source, improve water quality, and support rivers to recover naturally. 

Why water quality matters

Water quality affects everything in a river — from tiny invertebrates to fish, birds and people. 

Pollution can: 

• Reduce oxygen levels, harming fish and wildlife 

• Smother habitats with sediment, removing opportunities for aquatic animals to feed, hide, breed and migrate  

• Introduce harmful nutrients and chemicals 

• Impact safe access for communities 

According to the Environment Agency, a significant proportion of rivers in England fail to meet “good ecological status”, with pollution being one of the main causes. 

Improving water quality is essential for restoring biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience and reconnecting people with their rivers.

Tackling pollution at its source

We focus on preventing pollution before it reaches rivers — working with partners, landowners and communities to deliver practical, evidence-led solutions. 

Sustainable farming and land management

We work closely with farmers to reduce runoff from fields and improve soil health. This includes: 

• Managing nutrients and soils more effectively 

• Creating buffer strips alongside rivers 

• Restoring and constructing wetlands to filter pollutants 

These approaches reduce sediment, nutrients and pesticides entering waterways while supporting productive, sustainable farming. 

 Nature-based solutions

Working with natural processes is one of the most effective ways to improve water quality. 

We design and deliver solutions such as: 

• Constructed wetlands that filter pollutants 

• Leaky woody dams that slow and clean water 

• Reconnected floodplains that trap sediment 

• Riparian planting to stabilise banks and absorb nutrients 

Evidence from organisations such as The Rivers Trust and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology shows that these approaches can significantly improve water quality while boosting biodiversity.

Tackling urban pollution

Pollution doesn’t only come from rural areas. Roads, drains and hard surfaces in towns and cities can wash contaminants directly into rivers. 

We work with local authorities and partners to: 

• Identify and reduce misconnections (where wastewater from households and businesses enters surface drains, and drains directly into rivers without treatment) 

• Deliver SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) such as rain gardens and swales 

• Reduce road runoff and litter entering waterways 

These measures help create cleaner, greener urban spaces while protecting rivers.

Monitoring and data-led action 

All our work is guided by robust evidence. 

We: 

• Monitor water quality using scientific surveys 

• Track pollution sources across catchments 

• Use data to target action where it will have the greatest impact 

This ensures we deliver measurable improvements and long-term benefits for rivers and communities.

Working together for cleaner rivers

Improving water quality requires collaboration. We bring together partners including: 

• Water companies 

• Local authorities 

• Farmers and landowners 

• Community groups and volunteers 

By working at a catchment scale, we can address pollution in a coordinated, effective way.

A future of cleaner, healthier rivers

Reducing pollution is one of the most important steps we can take to restore rivers. 

By improving water quality, we can: 

• Support wildlife to recover 

• Create healthier places for people 

• Build resilience to climate change 

Together, we can create rivers that are clean, thriving and valued by everyone.