Thousands of demonstrators are set to march through central London, demanding stronger action to keep the UK’s rivers and seas clean.
The campaign, known as the March for Clean Water, will bring together a wide array of organizations, including River Action, Greenpeace, the Wildlife Trusts, and British Rowing. This rally comes as concerns grow over the deteriorating state of water quality across the country.
Protesters will gather at the Albert Embankment on Sunday and proceed along the River Thames, culminating in a rally at Parliament Square. Participants are encouraged to wear blue and carry samples from bodies of water they care about, creating what organizers describe as “a mass human river.”
Several high-profile figures are expected to attend, including environmental activist and musician Feargal Sharkey, TV presenter Chris Packham, and adventurer Bear Grylls.
The campaign is calling for a comprehensive review of the regulatory bodies Ofwat and the Environment Agency, stronger enforcement of existing anti-pollution laws, and significant investments from industries to upgrade infrastructure. The aim is to reduce pollution, water wastage, and leaks, while supporting farmers in habitat restoration efforts.
Protesters are particularly concerned about the ongoing discharge of raw sewage and other pollutants into the UK’s waterways.
A recently introduced piece of legislation, the Water (Special Measures) Bill, aims to empower regulators to impose tougher penalties on water companies that harm the environment. Proposed measures include hefty fines, blocked bonuses, and potential prison sentences of up to two years for noncompliant executives.
A spokesperson for Water UK expressed support for the march’s goals, acknowledging that the current system is failing. “No sewage spill is ever acceptable, and water companies are ready to invest a record £108 billion to protect our water supply and stop sewage from entering our rivers and seas,” the spokesperson said.
They also highlighted concerns that Ofwat’s proposal to cut planned investments by £20 billion could slow river recovery efforts, exacerbate water shortages, and hinder the construction of new housing. The spokesperson called on Ofwat to reconsider its stance, emphasizing the urgent need to upgrade and expand critical infrastructure. Photo by Davide Restivo from Aarau, Switzerland, Wikimedia commons.