England's rivers, lakes and coastal waters fall far short of ecological health targets

A 2025 assessment by England's Environment Agency found that only 14.3% of the country's 4,658 rivers, lakes, estuaries, canals and coastal waters achieved an overall good ecological status, down from 16.3% in the 2019 assessment. All surface water bodies failed the chemical status test because of persistent pollutants such as PFOS, mercury and PBDEs, which the agency says will not improve to a good level until around 2063.

The shortfall is attributed to sewage spills, agricultural nutrient runoff, and urban pollutants like litter, petrol and garden pesticides. The results leave England well behind its legal target of 75% of water bodies in good ecological status by 2027. Campaigners warned that “nothing has changed” and described England’s rivers as among the filthiest in Europe.

Government officials, including Environment Secretary Angela Eagle, said the data underline the need for wholesale reform of the water sector, citing recent legislation and record investment to upgrade infrastructure and improve long‑term water quality.