Water demands threatening rivers

The Bure in Norfolk is one of 12 rivers under threat

The extraction of water for drinking, irrigation and industry is threatening habitats in 12 rivers in the region.

An Environment Agency/English Nature report on chalk rivers has revealed that fish are being destroyed and other wildlife is under pressure.

Norfolk rivers under threat are the Stiffkey, Wissey (a conservation area), Nar, Bure and Wensum.

In Cambs they are the Cam, Little Ouse, Kennett and Lark. In Herts the rivers are the Lee, Stort and Rib.

Some of these rivers are sites of special scientific interest or conservation area candidates regarded as "irreplaceable parts of the national heritage".

The UK Biodiversity Action Steering Group, led by the Environment Agency, on Thursday called for urgent action.

The Environment Agency publication of The State of England's Chalk Rivers is the first ever report of its kind.

The report says chalk rivers support a diverse range of rare and endangered species and provide water for drinking, industry and agriculture.

Many rivers are world famous for their fly fishing and offer popular walking routes, forming an integral part of the country's cultural heritage.

The pressures on them are many and varied. Urban development and intensive farming have both played key roles in the deterioration of chalk river habitats.

Chalk rivers are reliant on autumn and winter rainfall to recharge underground water stores and maintain flows throughout the year.

When flows are reduced by abstraction, habitats for fish and other wildlife are lost.

Pollutants are less diluted and algae frequently choke the channel in summer as a result of increased nutrient levels.