Heatwaves, sewage, pesticides: why England’s rivers need a ‘new deal’ to avert crisis

A water industry group is calling for legislation and planning controls to protect waterways from climate change and pollution

England's rivers are facing a crisis from climate change, agricultural pollution and lack of effective planning controls. That is the key warning of Water UK, the industry group that represents the nation's water suppliers.

In a report to be published this week, the authority will call for the government to set up a national rivers plan and enact a rivers act to ensure the health of the country's waterways. We are calling for a new deal for rivers in England," it states.