Comment: Channel 4 News investigation – pollution in UK waters

“Water pollution events can be incredibly harmful not only to humans, but also to levels of biodiversity and to precious ecosystems. That is why the Environmental Audit Committee has consistently called for a better and more robust monitoring system to improve transparency: members of the public must have clear and reliable information about whether it is safe to enter bathing waters.

“Channel 4’s findings following its investigations are concerning. It would have been unacceptable for the Environment Agency or the Government to present information in a misleading way in an attempt to change the narrative: you simply cannot sugarcoat dangerous pollution events. I am therefore pleased to note that none of the presentational measures proposed were taken forward.

“The Committee will be raising the issue of the presentation of water quality data with the current Environment Secretary, and with the regulators, at an early opportunity.”

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