Significant water management issues

Water connects all life on Earth. Every person, community, and ecosystem depends on clean water to survive. For millions of years, it has shaped our planet, cycling through the air, land, and oceans to sustain life. We rely on it every day to drink, grow food, power our homes, and keep nature alive.

Pollution once severely damaged many rivers, and although stronger regulations, cleaner industries, and investment have brought improvements, only 16% of England’s waters currently achieve Good Ecological Status / Potential - meaning they are close to their natural state. Climate change, combined with population growth and economic pressures, is increasing strain on this vital resource. Our water system is under pressure.

We need faster, smarter and more joined-up action to improve our waters and secure long-term resilience. Everyone has a role to play, from individuals and communities to businesses and government. At its core, we need a commitment to holistic, system-wide thinking, recognising the interconnectedness of water, land, climate, and society.

The river basin management plans play an important role in setting out how we can work together to restore rivers, lakes, and coasts, and your views through this consultation will help shape them. Protecting water means acting now to ensure it remains clean, healthy, and sustainable for future generations. We all share the goal of a resilient, fair, and regenerative water future - built on science, collaboration, and shared ambition. Together, we can turn today’s challenges into opportunities for people, nature, and generations to come.