The strategy ‘EA2030 change for a better environment‘ explains how the EA aims to deliver healthier water, so that by 2030 England’s rivers, lakes, estuaries and seas are cleaner and healthier, with the gap between water supply and demand closing.
One of the ways it plans to do this is by ensuring the water industry delivers on its commitments to invest in infrastructure and deliver better outcomes for its customers and the environment.
The new five-year strategy follows the announcement last night by the Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, that the EA will receive over £189million this financial year thanks to charges on polluting water companies.
The £189m, the largest ever budget to tackle cleaning up waterways, will be used to fund more enforcement officers, improve equipment and install the latest technology.
The EA said its long-term ambition for the environment will mean that by 2050 waters from catchment to coast are cleaner and thriving with integrated approaches working with natural processes.
Steve Reed OBE, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, said:
“The public are furious about sewage pollution in our rivers, lakes and seas. This government is cleaning them up, including the biggest boost to enforcement in a decade paid for by the water companies responsible for the pollution.
“Our changes give the water watchdog the resources they need to tackle pollution and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good – all part of the Government’s plan for change.”