By Brigitte Rodriguez, Publishing Associate: Researcher and Writer at Save the Water™ | September 06, 2026

Edited by Jaslene Szeto, Publishing Associate: Editor at Save the Water™

England is facing a serious river pollution problem. Three rivers have been affected, and reports indicate that the water has turned green, affecting people who live nearby. Waste and fertilizer from poultry farms may be a major cause. However, a lawsuit has been filed against Avara Foods for the pollution caused by chicken manure, which has affected the rivers, the ecosystem, and local communities.

River pollution in England is affecting local communities.

More than 4,500 workers and residents living near the Wye, Lugg, and Usk rivers have filed a lawsuit because of the rivers' green color and bad smell. Algal blooms cause some of these problems because they grow when there are too many nutrients in the water. These conditions harm fish and other water life. They can also affect residents and their daily lives.

What Is Causing River Pollution in England? 

According to the lawsuit, one of the main causes of river pollution in England is the poultry farms affiliated with Avara Foods.  Residents claim that the company's growing poultry farms and the increased use of chicken manure as fertilizer—caused fertilizers to seep into the soil and, consequently, contaminate waterways. This can add too many nutrients to the water and lower oxygen levels. As a result, fish can struggle to survive..

The Environmental Impact

Too much phosphorus and nitrogen can harm rivers in England. This is called eutrophication, which reduces water clarity, increases water turbidity, and impairs photosynthesis in aquatic vegetation.

It is also a serious problem for rivers and other freshwater areas. Too many nutrients can harm the river ecosystem, lowering oxygen levels and making it harder for fish and other aquatic organisms to survive. This can cause hypoxia (low oxygen levels), which can lead to the death of aquatic organisms.

In addition, the pollution also affects people and local businesses.. For businesses near the rivers, dirty and green water can also cause financial problems.

What Can Be Done to Reduce River Pollution in England? 

To reduce river pollution, everyone needs to help  including farmers, enterprises, local communities, and residents. 

 Here are some ways to help:

• Encourage farmers and residents to quickly report pollution problems
• Reduce the use of fertilizers.
• Improve drainage of homes.
• Plant more trees.
• Ask environmental agencies to restore wetlands.