Rising river wildlife in England amid pollution concerns

In recent years, public concern over sewage contamination in England's rivers has surged, leading to campaigns and protests, including the upcoming River Action UK march for clean water. Despite the alarming headlines, research indicates that many rivers are in better condition than they have been for centuries. A comprehensive analysis of invertebrate data from 1989 to 2018 reveals an increase in biodiversity across various river sizes and land covers, suggesting improvements in water quality. The rise in invertebrate biodiversity can be attributed to advancements in sewage treatment, which have significantly reduced nutrient pollution, particularly phosphate levels since 1997. However, nutrient concentrations remain higher than natural levels due to ongoing sewage and agricultural practices, indicating that further action is necessary. The increase in the number of storm overflows reported does not necessarily imply a worsening situation; rather, it reflects improved monitoring and awareness of pollution issues. Water companies are permitted to release untreated sewage during heavy rainfall to prevent system failures, but the frequency of these events has not been conclusively shown to have increased. While there are positive trends in river health, the need for continued advocacy and protest remains crucial. Events like the River Action UK march serve to highlight ongoing challenges and push for further improvements in water quality and biodiversity in England's rivers.