New quality standards for rivers

Every stretch of river in England and Wales is to have a legal cleanliness standard, Michael Howard, the Secretary of State for the Environment, told MPs yesterday.

Objectives will be set according to a river's potential to support fish and provide water for drinking, irrigation, livestock and industry. Its use for watersports and its value to wildlife, especially rare eco-systems, will also be taken into account. The objective will specify limits for a broad range of pollutants.