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SIGNIFICANT EFFORTS have been made to improve drinking water quality and to limit the effects of pollution on our rivers and lakes. But the battle is being lost, in spite of new regulations under the EU Water Framework Directive and considerable financial investment. Over the past 20 years, the percentage of pollution-free rivers has nearly halved, falling from 30 to 17 per cent. It represents an indictment of those who damage the environment and of those who are charged to protect it.

Local authorities had responsibility for assessing water quality and instigating prosecutions. But because council sewage plants and dumps were major sources of pollution, activity was minimal. That has changed. Oversight has been transferred to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lots of money has been spent. Between 2000 and 2005, the percentage of towns providing secondary waste treatment almost quadrupled to 82 per cent. But, while new equipment was installed, training of staff was inadequate. Pollution has continued. It is a dreadful situation.