WildFish publishes new report on the growing threat of water stress in the UK

WildFish has released The Abstraction Report, highlighting the growing pressures on UK rivers caused by water abstraction – the process of taking water from natural sources such as rivers and aquifers. The release of this report coincides with one of the driest springs since records began. According to the MET Office: “rainfall was well below average, with the UK receiving just 56% of its typical April total”. 

The report explores the serious impacts of over-abstraction on wild fish populations and outlines solutions that could help protect and restore vital freshwater habitats.

Driven by demand for public water supply, agricultural use, and the worsening effects of climate change, many of our rivers no longer have enough water to support healthy ecosystems or dilute pollution effectively. The result is a significant decline in the diversity and abundance of wild fish and other water-dependent wildlife. 

The Abstraction Report offers a comprehensive overview of the water abstraction process – from licensing to planning – and evaluates how it is currently regulated. Crucially, it also proposes measures to reduce the burden on our most vulnerable rivers, including iconic chalk streams such as the Test and Itchen.

Justin Neal, solicitor at WildFish, said: “At WildFish, we see the impacts of over-abstraction first hand. If we want to restore rivers and ensure they have adequate flow year-round, we need immediate action. That means ending the excessive exploitation of our rivers by water companies, who should already be applying for measures to reduce and restrict usage.”

Follow the link below to read The Abstraction Report today. 

The increasing threat from new development

Planning is a growing issue when it comes to water supply. Across the UK, new housing and infrastructure developments are being approved without adequate provision for water or the capacity to manage sewage effectively.

In our latest report, “No Capacity, No Development”, WildFish outlines the legal failings of the current planning system — exposing how developments are being pushed through despite serious gaps in water supply and wastewater infrastructure. Follow the link below to learn more.