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River Wye Pollution

P003172 - 23 March 2026

Presentations: 1
Presenters: 1
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At a Glance

This petition concerning river wye pollution was presented to Parliament once by 1 MP.

Issue Summary

The petitioners are concerned about the severe phosphate pollution affecting the River Wye, its tributaries including the Lugg, Arrow, and Frome, which has compromised the health of these rivers.

Action Requested

The House of Commons urges the Government to formally evaluate the option of introducing a Water Protection Zone across the entire River Wye catchment as a mechanism to address phosphate pollution and restore river health.

Key Facts

  • The River Wye has been one of the UK’s most polluted rivers since 2020.
  • Phosphate pollution is especially severe in the Rivers Lugg, Arrow, and Frome.
  • The Environment Agency’s current plan falls short of what is needed to fix the problem.
  • A Water Protection Zone would identify all sources of pollution, specify actions required by stakeholders, and restrict or ban polluting activities with penalties for non-compliance.

Presentation Timeline

MPs presented this petition on the following dates. Each card shows the presenters and any recorded remarks.

Presented
23 March 2026
Ellie Chowns Green
North Herefordshire
Water is life, and rivers are the lifeblood of our landscape, but too often they are in a perilous state. Yesterday we celebrated World Water Day, and last month, on Valentine’s day, I celebrated the work of North Herefordshire constituents who love the Lugg, the river that flows through the heart of my constituency. Those constituents care for our precious rivers: the Wye, the Lugg, the Arrow, the Frome and others. They run businesses and protect wildlife and heritage, and they include river-friendly farmers and citizen scientists. We are united by our desire to save our previous rivers from pollution, because we recognise that healthy communities and healthy economies depend on healthy rivers. We urgently need a water protection zone to protect the River Wye and its tributaries from damage caused by pollution. I am therefore honoured to present this petition on behalf of my constituents who love the Lugg and all the other North Herefordshire rivers. The petition states:
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