More than 80% of rivers in England show signs of high levels of pollution, likely caused by sewage and agricultural waste, according to the results of a citizen-science water testing project. As of December 2023, 641 anglers from 240 clubs have been actively monitoring pollution on 190 rivers from across 60 catchments. ‘The first annual WQMN report proves that across the country rivers are suffering from too much phosphate which is extremely damaging in freshwater,’ says Angling Trust CEO Jamie Cook. (Image credit: Getty images)In response, a Defra spokesperson said: ‘We are taking comprehensive action to tackle water pollution in our rivers and seas – with more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement. This includes setting highly ambitious legally binding targets to reduce water pollution from agriculture and phosphorus pollution from treated wastewater.