Together we are Revitalising Chalk Rivers – improving flow and restoring habitats

Since 2015, Affinity Water and the Environment Agency have been working together with our partners to protect and revitalise the rivers Ver, Misbourne, and Gade – which fall under the remit of the Colne Catchment Partnership – and the rivers Mimram, Upper Lea, and Beane – which fall under the remit of the Lea Catchment Partnership.

Together we have been working on an extensive programme to restore these globally rare chalk streams across our supply area to improve wildlife, recreational value and environmental resilience. The programme has reduced groundwater abstraction by 63 million litres of water a day since 1993 and implemented river restoration works to help over 120 km of chalk streams. Affinity Water are committed to further reducing groundwater abstraction by 36 million litres of water a day by 2025.

However, we know more needs to be done to safeguard chalk streams from the effects of climate change, demand for water and drought and to rectify centuries of historical river alterations. We have committed to continuing our efforts and have over 50 different restoration projects planned over the next five years, representing an investment of over £17 million and will continue to work with and support all the partners involved.