March for clean water

Join thousands to demand the government makes a splash

Make your point to the government

On Sunday 3 November (11am-3pm) join thousands of people uniting in the centre of London to march for clean water. Demand action to protect the UK’s rivers, lakes, reservoirs and seas. Everyone is invited – from bathers, swimmers, paddlers, waders, to anglers, sailors, surfers, rowers and all other water-lovers, and all members of the public. 

Details

• When: Sunday 3 November 2024
• Time: 11am-3pm (march begins at 11:45am)
• Where: Meet at Albert Embankment SE1 7HF
• What to wear: BLUE

River Action is organising this peaceful and legal march. The march is supported by a coalition over 100 nature, wildlife, and community groups – including The Wildlife Trusts, RSPB and WWF. 

High-profile campaigners and celebrities such as Chris Packham, Liz Bonnin and Joe Lycett have also backed the campaign. 

Why march for clean water

UK waterways are in crisis – in England, only 15% of rivers reach good ecological health standards, and toxic chemicals are found in 100% of rivers. In 2023 alone, raw sewage was discharged into waterways over 500,000 times. Steve Backshall described the Thames as “toxic” due to the high levels of norovirus and E. coli.

UK rivers are no longer suitable homes for wildlife and they are not fit for people to swim in. This is an ecological and public emergency. 

Finding a solution

River Action, along with supporting organisations, is asking the UK Government to put an end to the travesty of the UK’s polluted rivers, lakes, sea and reservoirs by: 

• Reforming Regulation – conduct an immediate root-and-branch review of Ofwat & the Environment Agency to put a complete stop to any industry knowingly and wantonly polluting our waters for profit and greed. 
• Enforcing the law – the laws and regulations are already in place that can end water pollution. The new Government must uphold and enforce them.   
• Stopping ‘pollution for profit’ – make sure ALL polluting industries invest here and now for the long term; upgrading infrastructure, reducing water wastage and leaks, helping farmers restore habitats, increasing efficient water use everywhere. 

Register for details about the march by visiting March for Clean Water.