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Rivers

Big data, tiny microbes: environmental DNA in action

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Fisheries and biodiversity, Invasive species, Nature, Rivers, Water
Picture of a white clawed crayfish on a rock.

All living things, from bacteria to blue whales, have DNA in their cells. DNA provides the blueprint for life, directing how organisms grow, reproduce, and live. Since DNA gives a unique genetic code for every species on Earth, we can …

Reporting water pollution to get easier with new online service 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Rivers, Sustainability, Water

We’re piloting a new digital service to provide more ways for the public to report environmental problems.  Public reporting of water pollution, odours, flooding or wildlife concerns is an important way that we are alerted to environmental incidents.  Our national …

A day in the life – plant surveying on the River Mimram with Emma, a Senior Environmental Monitoring Officer 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Nature, Rivers, Water

Every June to September, Environment Agency monitoring officers conduct surveys of aquatic plant life (known as macrophytes) to determine the health of our riverine ecosystems. This year, I was lucky enough to spend the day on the River Mimram with …

Day in the life of a new Environment Officer

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Nature, Rivers, Sustainability, Water

The Environment Agency (EA) is improving the way the water industry is regulated. This includes expanding the number of our officers focused solely on regulation and compliance. Here, one of the EA’s new dedicated Environment Officers, Rebecca Lee, explains why …

Monitoring antimicrobial resistance in the environment

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Nature, Rivers

Microorganisms drive many of the biogeochemical processes that make the Earth habitable for people. These processes involve the movement and transformation of chemical elements and compounds between living organisms, the atmosphere, and the Earth's crust. However, some microorganisms can cause …

World Rivers Day:  What are the biggest causes of river pollution and what’s being done about them? 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: agriculture, Cleaner Seas, Environment Agency, Rivers, Uncategorized, Water
View of flowing river

By Helen Wakeham, Director of Water World Rivers Day, celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday of September, is a global event that highlights the importance of rivers and the urgent need to protect them.    Public concern around pollution in …

Behind the scenes: how Environment Agency scientists are testing bathing water quality  

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Cleaner Seas, Rivers, Water

There are more than 450 designated bathing waters across England. The Environment Agency is responsible for monitoring, improving, and maintaining water quality at all designated bathing waters. Importantly, designation also means that information is provided to the public to help …