All articles tagged with #environment agency
The first joint report from UK water regulators reveals that environmental performance has worsened despite £5bn in recent investment, with eight of nine English companies rated poorly. While drinking water quality remains high, serious pollution incidents remain a major concern, prompting government plans for stricter executive bonus restrictions and regulatory consolidation.
Volunteers in Bristol discovered over 30 dead eels and foam in Brislington Brook, prompting a public warning. The Environment Agency is investigating a potential link to a recent fire at a nearby derelict warehouse.
The Environment Agency reports that sea trout and salmon populations in the Tees, Wear, and Tyne rivers are declining, with the Tyne facing a potential loss of its 'not at risk' status by 2029. Equipment failures have hindered accurate monitoring, with the Wear counter offline since early 2025 and the Tyne counter relying on estimates for most of the year. July counts in the Tyne showed a significant drop compared to 2022, while the Tees recorded its lowest numbers since 2021, attributed to environmental conditions and potential alternative migration routes.
More than half of England is officially in drought, with July set to be the driest month on record. The Environment Agency declared a 'flash drought' across seven regions, including Wessex and London, following a rapid shift from wet winter to extreme heat. While Thames Water has imposed a hosepipe ban for 10 million customers, other utilities urge conservation without formal restrictions. The situation is described as 'exceptionally serious' due to its rapid onset and potential long-term impacts on water reserves, wildlife, and agriculture.
The Environment Agency has declared more than half of England in drought, marking the third such event in five years (2022, 2025, 2026). This 'flash drought' follows a wet winter but has intensified due to record-breaking heat and minimal rainfall. Seven regions, including London, East Anglia, and the West Midlands, are officially affected. July is on track to be the driest on record, with southern England receiving only 1% of expected rainfall. Reservoir levels are 7.4% below average, and 40% of the population is under hosepipe bans. Experts warn that climate change is making such extreme, rapid-onset droughts significantly more likely, threatening agriculture, wildlife, and water security.
After Storm Ingrid damaged the Torcross seafront in Devon, a long crack opened along the front as waves crashed over homes. Residents say it's worrying, and the Environment Agency is investigating the sea defences to decide if further work is needed, with ongoing community updates promised.
More than 100 flood warnings remain in place in southern England as cold temperatures persist, with an amber cold health alert in place for much of England until Friday. Snow flurries hit parts of southern England, but temperatures are expected to remain cold with a frost and ice risk. The Environment Agency is developing a range of actions to tackle flooding, emphasizing the need for natural flood management measures along rivers. The cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions or over the age of 65.