By 2020 we want Durham’s rivers to run clear, be teeming with wildlife and be enjoyed by all.
The Lower Wear Pilot is one of ten pilots in England and Wales testing how effective local partnerships can be in improving water quality.
Background
The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) came into force in December 2000 and became part of UK law in December 2003.
This gives us an opportunity to plan and deliver a better water environment, focusing on ecology (animals and plants). The aim is to achieve ‘good’ status of all water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, by 2015.
There are 68 rivers and 16 lakes in the whole Wear catchment. The Lower Wear Pilot is focused around Durham and concentrates on 15 rivers, all with multiple water quality issues to tackle.
Who else is involved?
What’s next?
Each pilot will develop a catchment plan, which we’ll be asking for your views on.
The catchment plan for the Lower Wear Pilot will outline what the issues are affecting water quality on the 15 rivers in the pilot and what can be done to improve water quality. We hope the plan will continue to grow and gain support as the pilot develops.
Got a question or want to get involved?
We are still looking for potential partners to work on the Wear Catchment Pilot. If you would like to get involved then please contact George Gerring, Wear Catchment Pilot Co-ordinator on 0191 203 4259.
