South West rivers 'cleanest'

The River Tavy's water quality has improved

The South West's rivers are still the cleanest in England and Wales, according to the Environment Agency.

It said almost 95% of rivers in Devon and Cornwall are in the top three classifications of fairly good, good and very good.

Improvements at sewage treatment works in the region have helped reduce phosphate levels in rivers.

This is the second year in a row the region's rivers have won the accolade after the agency's chemical sampling of water from around the country.

It is reflecting the hard work and investment over the years

Andy Rogers,
Environment Agency

However, nitrate levels, caused by pollution from farms are still high in a third of all UK rivers.

The agency says the greatest improvements are in the River Axe in east Devon, the River Duntz near Barnstaple and the River Tavy near Tavistock.

Phosphates were still found in high concentrations in 54% of the surveyed rivers, but that is an improvement on 64% from 10 years ago.

The agency says it is down to better sewage treatment and the chemical makeup of detergents.

But nitrate levels, caused by farm pollution, have not declined.

The government is addressing this and is to announce new "nitrate vulnerable zones" in some areas to reduce the pollution.

Water vigilance

Andy Rogers from the agency said: "We are delighted that the top quality of South West rivers is being maintained.

"It is reflecting the hard work and investment over the years."

"Environment protection staff, water company improvements and vigilance by farmers are the driving forces that ensure the region has the best rivers.

"But the rest of industry and the public also have their part to play."

The agency monitors the quality of over nearly 25,000 miles (40,000 kilometres) of rivers and canals and 1,700 miles (2,800 kilometres) of estuaries in England and Wales.

Nationally, 87.2% of rivers in England and Wales were in the top three grades, plus a further 7.5% in fair quality

The number of rivers in the category of bad has dropped to 0.3%.