GOV.UK
What is groundwater flooding?
What is groundwater flooding?
Groundwater flooding can happen when the level of the water within rock or soil underground rises, meaning that water seeps through the surface.
Building the evidence on onshore oil and gas
There can be no doubt that onshore oil and gas (fracking) is controversial and emotive. Fracking policy is a matter for the government. As a regulator, the Environment Agency’s role is to ensure that fracking can only go ahead if …
Protecting our precious chalk streams
Between May 2018 and May 2019 parts of the South East of England received 30% less rain than normal. The last three winters have been exceptionally dry and we have an on-going environmental drought across the region. There is …
Environmental Drought in Hertfordshire and North London
Fish rescue The combination of a drier than average 3 years, high water consumption and climate change means that our environment is suffering. As a result, the Environment Agency’s Hertfordshire and North London area is suffering from an Environmental …
Climate change is not a distant threat
Today, people all around the world are taking part in the climate strike. We all need to listen and take action now to tackle the climate emergency.
In recovery – three weeks on from Whaley Bridge
Lee Rawlinson, Area Director for Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire Three weeks on from unusually heavy rain and flooding was seen across the North West and Derbyshire, recovery work has started in affected towns and villages including Whaley Bridge. Lee …
Water is precious – taking action now will improve water quality for generations to come
As a nation, we have lost touch with water - where it comes from, why it matters and how we all need to take action to protect this most precious resource. Across England we spend about £5 billion a year …
Managing reservoir safety in England
Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive at The Environment Agency From the beginning of the Whaley Bridge incident, the Environment Agency has worked tirelessly with the emergency services and the reservoir’s operator, the Canal & River Trust (CRT), to protect the …
Protecting chalk streams
Only 200 chalk streams are known globally, 85% of which are found in the UK in southern and eastern England. The Environment Agency is taking action to protect chalk streams by reducing the amount of water abstracted.
Oxford flood scheme uncovers Ice Age archaeology
I am a Senior Archaeologist providing heritage advice at the Environment Agency. I’m lucky enough to be part of a scheme that has used innovative technology to make sure that we properly investigate archaeology. All the while reducing the impact …
Flood response at Wainfleet in Lincolnshire
Environment Agency staff monitoring the ultra-high volume pump In Lincolnshire, Environment Agency staff are working 24/7 alongside the emergency services to protect people and property after a river embankment breached at Wainfleet. In an effort to reduce flood waters, …