Only 14.3 per cent of England’s surface waters are in good ecological condition, according to the first comprehensive assessment of the nation’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters for six years. River Basin Management Plans set an objective for 77 per cent of England’s surface waters to achieve good ecological status, or good ecological potential in the case of artificial or heavily modified waters, by 2027. Its previous assessment found that, under a worst-case scenario, only 21 per cent of surface waters could reach good ecological condition by 2027. The Environment Agency says the intervention has helped reverse deterioration in the canal and improve connected rivers. Alan Lovell, chairman of the Environment Agency, acknowledged that too many waterways were still failing to reach the required standards.