Environment Agency - Home

Water

The North West's water quality is now the best it's been since the industrial revolution but we still have a long way to go.

Although we still have a long way to go, water quality in the North West is getting better. We take steps to prevent our waters becoming polluted but if we discover pollution, we work hard to put things right.

We are responsible for regulating water, making sure that there is sufficient supply throughout the Region - both above and below ground.

  • Quality of our lakes in the North West

    Our lakes support a variety of plants and animals. Some are found nowhere else in the country.

  • Quality of our rivers in the North West

    The Region's rivers are the cleanest they have been for over 100 years - 92% are rated as good or fair. In the past 6 years the biggest improvement has been in urban areas.

  • Quality of our seas in the North West

    The quality of our seas is steadily improving. In 2007, 32 out of the 35 bathing waters sampled in the North West met the European mandatory standards.

  • The Water Framework Directive in the North West

    The Water Framework Directive gives us a new chance to help the environment. The most important European water legislation for over 20 years, it gives us the opportunity to work with others to make waterways a better place - for wildlife and for people.