State of the South West 2008

This section on inland waters contains information and trends on river water quality, water resources and drinking water. The Environment Agency currently monitors river water quality in terms of biology, chemistry, nutrients and aesthetic quality.  However, over the next few years, a new European law called the Water Framework Directive will be implemented.  This Directive came into force on the 22nd December and requires all inland and coastal waters to reach 'good status' by 2015. It will concentrate even more on biological quality, including plants and fish, and will look at all surface freshwater bodies (lakes, streams and rivers), groundwaters, transitional water bodies (estuaries) and coastal waters.

Around 40,000 km of rivers and canals are monitored to assess river water quality in England and Wales, almost 15% or 6,490 km of which are in the South West. Measurements of rainfall quantity, groundwater levels and river flows are all indicators of climate trends and water availability.

The South West is one of the wettest regions, with the combined influences of the hydrological cycle and human activity contributing to the diverse character of the water environment.  However, some areas in the region currently face a lack of water available for new abstractions.  Unsustainable abstractions and low river flows could be exacerbated by future pressures of increased demand for water due to projected population growth.

The Government has set legal standards for drinking water in the Water Quality Regulations (based on World Health Organisation guidelines).  The UK also has additional standards to safeguard the already high quality of water in England and Wales.  These standards cover bacteria, chemicals such as nitrates and pesticides, metals such as lead as well as look and taste. In the South West, drinking water is supplied by Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water, Bristol Water, South West Water, Wessex Water and some parts by Thames Water and Severn Trent Water.