Environmental organisation says water pollution in Rutland is having huge impact
A survey found the county's waterways are among the most polluted in the country
Last updated 20th Jul 2025
Waterways in Rutland are among the most polluted in the country according to a new survey.
The investigation by FreshWater Watch, which involved thousands of volunteers across the UK collecting river water samples for testing, has found Rutland’s waters are among the worst for pollutants in the country, sparking Rutland County Council’s scrutiny committee to decide to write to the two water companies that service Rutland for answers.
Our rivers are suffocating under relentless pollution from sewage, agriculture, and urban runoff
Dr Sasha Woods, director of science and Policy at Earthwatch Europe, said:
“Our findings for Rutland are a particularly stark reminder of a deeper, systemic crisis across the UK.”
“An alarming 94% of water samples collected in Rutland showed high levels of nitrate and phosphate pollution, making Rutland’s rivers among the worst in the UK. This highlights the urgent need for action, especially when considering that across England, 74% of fresh water sites tested exhibited unacceptable pollution levels."
“Our rivers are suffocating under relentless pollution from sewage, agriculture, and urban runoff. Many parts of the UK are currently facing drought conditions, which will only make the problem worse. We have become disconnected from freshwater and we need a national strategy and catchment-level delivery to protect this precious resource. ”
This highlights the urgent need for action
During the sampling in late April, which is the third citizen science nationwide event held by the environmental research group, 17 samples were taken across points in Rutland.
A report has been published, which has found the river basins in the Anglian Water and Thames Valley area to be the most polluted in the UK, with 86% of measurements taken showing unacceptable levels of nutrient pollution.
A spokesperson for Anglian Water said:
“Regarding water quality concerns, we share our customers’ desire to make our waterways healthier and at Anglian Water we’re committed to making that happen and pledge to ensure our operations will not be the reason for poor river health."
“To bolster our commitment to protecting river health, we’re investing over £1 billion into addressing sewage spills which will include increasing stormwater capacity at our water recycling sites and across our sewer network.”