Environment Agency unveils new water quality improvement plan

The Environment Agency has announced new plans to boost water quality in the east of England.

Under the proposals, rivers, lakes, coastal waters and groundwater will be targeted to make sure they all meet the standards set out in the European Union Water Framework Directive.

More than 750 rivers will be included in the scope of this River Basin Management Plan (RBMP).

The organisation aims to see water quality improve across all the waterways in the region during the five years that the RBMP is in place.

Paul Woodcock, Environment Agency Anglian regional director, explained that while water quality in the area is generally of a high standard, future pressures on the environment need to be taken into consideration.

"The RBMP plan is the next step in increasing our water quality further and making sure that water in this region matches both our needs and those of the environment around us," he said.

RBMPs will be introduced to a host of regions around the country, with the aim of boosting sustainable water use, minimising negative human impacts on water environments and analysing any costs associated with meeting the EU directive.

Posted by Claire Manning