A Look at England's Water Quality


England is a prominent developed country with older water quality issues stemming from previous industrialization. Although past problems with water pollution have decreased with changes in the economy and regulation, pollution still arises due to aging mine workings and structural changes to bodies of water due to human causes. 

In this modern age, the most prominent problem with water quality is diffuse pollution, a type where the original source is hard to locate and one that can occur in rural and urban areas. In rural and agricultural areas, runoff of such things as pesticides, sediment, and organic material contribute to pollution, while in urban areas, silt, sewage, metals, and chemicals are some of the things that pollute urban water systems.

With the help of regulations and investment in solutions, water quality in England is improving. Water services have invested 3.5 billion pounds in an effort to improve the water quality since 2010. In addition, between 2015 and 2021, 3.7 billion pounds are planned to be invested in water quality solutions and 14.5% of bodies of water are expected to see improvements in at least one measurable quality. 

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