Water pollution is a global concern that affects the health and well-being of both humans and ecosystems. In Britain, despite efforts to address this issue, water pollution remains a significant challenge. However, a promising solution to this problem is the Chinese River Chief System, first used in response to an outbreak of blue algae at Lake Taihu, Wuxi City in Jiangsu province, which sucessfully mitigated water pollution to a large extent.
Britain faces several water pollution problems, especially in its rivers and coastal areas. Agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, sewage overflow, and urban development contribute to the contamination of water bodies. Excessive levels of nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, cause eutrophication, leading to algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic life. Moreover, heavy metals, chemicals, and plastic waste further deteriorate water quality. According to the Wildlife Trusts, rising pollution levels place 10% of freshwater and wetland species at risk of extinction. In Wales and England, 38% of fish health checks are failed due to disease caused by pollution. Pollution by water companies is particularly high in the south and southwest of England.
The existing regulatory frameworks in Britain, such as the Water Framework Directive, are designed to mitigate water pollution. Nonetheless, enforcement and coordination among various agencies remain challenging, leading to a lack of progress in addressing pollution sources effectively. It is evident that a more comprehensive approach is required to combat water pollution adequately.