Save the River Mole
Date: 28th July 2025
*STOP PRESS*
This statement is our response to the Environment Secretary Steve Reed’s pledge announced to halve sewage pollution from water companies by the end of the decade.
Government Press release - Reed: Government to cut sewage pollution in half by 2030: Sewage pollution from water companies will be cut in half by the end of the decade, the Environment Secretary Steve Reed will pledge today (Sunday 20 July).
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/reed-government-to-cut-sewage-pollution-in-half-by-2030
STATEMENT - 27th July 2025
River Mole River Watch Responds to Government Sewage Pledge
River Mole River Watch (RMRW) welcomes Environment Secretary Steve Reed’s pledge to halve sewage pollution by 2030—a vital step in recognising the scale of the UK’s river pollution crisis.
While the £104 billion investment to overhaul the water network is ambitious, RMRW warns that success depends on transparency, accountability, and credible delivery. The Government has yet to clarify where the funding will come from, how investors will be repaid, or how projects will be enforced—especially given Thames Water’s financial instability and history of project delays. RMRW also urges the Government to use rainfall-adjusted multi-year averages for storm overflow targets, warning that current plans based on a single year’s data are likely to be misleading.
Locally, the Mole Catchment is under severe pressure, with storm overflows spilling at more than double the national average in 2024. Phosphorus pollution, a key problem in the Mole, must be tackled across all treatment works—not just the largest—and with tighter limits in summer. RMRW supports nature-based solutions like SuDS and wetlands, but calls for urgent implementation, deadlines, and penalties for non-delivery.
Crucially, the Government must commit to achieving “Good Ecological Status” in line with legal obligations under the Water Framework Directive.
River Mole River Watch calls for:
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Full transparency on funding and delivery.
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Realistic storm overflow targets.
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Stronger phosphorus controls.
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Enforceable action on Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS) and wetlands.
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A legal commitment to clean, ecologically healthy rivers.
We will continue to monitor and hold authorities to account—for the River Mole and future generations. To read our full response please click here
*End*
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Flowing 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Sussex to the Thames, the River Mole is a treasured part of the landscape, enjoyed by local communities for recreation and nature. However, pollution from various sources threatens its health. River Mole River Watch, run an ambitious water testing program to gather crucial data on pollution and highlight key issues. We are dedicated to restoring the river to a thriving ecological state—for wildlife, plants, and people. As awareness of river pollution grows, so does public determination to make a change. Together, we can take action to help protect and revive the River Mole for future generations.
We could not operate without the ongoing generous support we receive from, environmental and conservation organisations, water companies, commercial services, local community groups, a parish council, individuals and local, district and county councillors.
In 2022 only 14% of rivers in England achieved 'good' ecological status.
The ecological status of the River Mole is ‘poor’ .
What We Do
Many citizens wish to take action because of the conspicuous failure of government and The Environment Agency to defend our rivers from pollution. Our aim is to co-ordinate the efforts of concerned local citizens.
For more information about the key challenges that the River Mole faces, and what we believe needs doing please see FAQs
Test
Our water testing programme has over 50 dedicated citizen scientists who collect water samples every month from 32 sites across the River Mole Catchment. The results are published monthly, see Latest News.
Collaborate
We engage with residents, landowners, farmers, businesses, Thames Water, SES Water, South East Rivers Trust, the River Mole Catchment Partnership and other local and national groups.
Monitor
Our volunteers monitor the state of the river - spotting and reporting pollution, invasive species, litter/fly tipping and debris. We report the issues to relevant organisations.
Campaign
We lobby local and national politicians, the government and organisations to take action which would improve water quality and legal protection for rivers.
Educate
We engage with adults and children by giving talks to local groups and schools about the poor state of the river, and we provide information to the media, print/TV, press and social media to highlight the issues.
Lastest News
