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2024 where has all this water crowfoot gone?
2017 plenty of healthy plants
THE ISSUES……
PUBLIC or PRIVATE OWNERSHIP???
People’s Commission Report on the Water Sector, July 2025 details the failure of the privatised water model and describes why public ownership will ensure that water is cheaper, cleaner and fairer.
Read the report.
Since privatisation in 1989, the water companies have used our rivers, lakes and seas as open sewers. The water companies are not British owned, they are corporate monopolies controlled by private equity funds. These rapacious companies are in control of our life giving water. Read more.
Stark facts on the poor performance of England’s privatised water sector. Read The Sewage Campaign Network Water Company Performance and Finances Feb 2026.
WHAT DRIVES USC’S CAMPAIGNING?
River Severn’s deteriorating water quality is resulting in plant biodiversity destruction both in the river and along its banks.
Read ‘Middle Severn Catchment Plant Indicators and Water’ by Roger Meade.
The catastrophic effects of polluted water. Watch Channel 4’s ‘Dirty Business’.
THE RIGHTS OF THE RIVER SEVERN
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We all want the River Severn to flow on, living its best life. Along with a number of other campaign groups, USC believes that for this to happen rivers need to be given legal rights and are pressing for this to happen:
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The Rights of the River movement seeks to recognise rivers as legal entities with rights like those of individuals or corporations, including the right to exist, thrive and be free from pollution.
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This approach aims to protect rivers and their ecosystems by granting them legal personhood, allowing communities to defend their rights in court.
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The Rights of the River Guardianship model means people, connected to and knowledgeable of their local river, may speak up for it. This gives strength to existing legislation and is open to legal precedent. Read more.
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