Defra launches £1.6m water quality scheme

The Department for environment and rural affairs has launched a £1.6 million project to improve the health and quality of water in England.

The partnership scheme, called the Catchment Based Approach, will encourage local communities and environmental groups to take on more responsibility for improving the health of their local river, as well as the surrounding natural environment and wildlife.

The project follows on from a series of regional pilot schemes over the past year in areas including the Norfolk Coast, Bristol Avon and Poole. In Bristol, local authorities worked together to introduce new measures to reduce the need for dredging the River Avon and save taxpayers’ money. 

Richard Benyon, water minister, said; “Rivers are the lifeblood of our country. They give us the water we need for our daily lives, and sustain our wildlife. That is why this new scheme is so incredibly important.” 

“Our pilot programme achieved great results and this new funding will help more people take action to improve the health of their local rivers. Ensuring we have enough water, not just for us, but for future generations is an issue of huge importance. Everyone has a part to play and can make a real difference.”