At the Environment Agency, nature is key to what we do. It’s our job to protect and enhance the environment, enabling nature’s recovery whilst contributing to sustainable growth, with an ambition for climate resilience and healthy air, land and water. We can't do this alone - partnership is at the heart of how we work.
Andy Brown, Northwest Water Regulation Manager, explains how regulation is driving real improvements to water quality in Windermere, Cumbria.
Our teams have been busy monitoring 66 sites across Windermere and its tributaries throughout 2025. Our live monitoring equipment is deployed in seven locations and each deployment gives us countless data points about oxygen levels, temperature and other important factors that tell us how healthy the lake is.
Today marks a significant moment for all of us who care about England’s rivers and streams. Today, we’re releasing our first set of analysis-ready water data under Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme and I’m immensely proud of the work of hundreds of committed Environment Agency Staff that has got us to this point.
On the week of 3 November a vast number of small black plastic pellets started to wash up on the beach at Camber Sands in East Sussex. It immediately, and naturally, drew considerable concern from the public and local community. …
Following the 2025 DEFRA bathing water classifications, we are sharing an update on storm overflow performance associated with bathing waters across England for the 2025 season (15 May to 30 September). This year has seen an overall improvement: both the …
As bathing water designation has expanded to reflect the places where people now swim, paddle and enjoy the water recreationally, more inland sites are being formally recognised.
The Environment Agency published the 2025 Bathing Water Classifications earlier today, Tuesday 25 November.
As the summer boating season has drawn to a close, it’s a moment to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the past summer. Drought conditions have tested our waterways and infrastructure - but they’ve also revealed resilience, innovation, and a shared commitment to protecting England’s canals and rivers.
East Anglia is one of several areas across England experiencing prolonged dry weather or drought. Nationally, the Environment Agency is coordinating efforts through the National Drought Group to protect water supplies and the environment during this challenging period. Whilst the …
