We’re calling for a step-change in how the UK monitors its waters — more funding, better data, smarter tech and real collaboration.

Only with a truly modern, transparent monitoring system can we restore the rivers, lakes and seas our communities deserve.

That's why the Testing the Waters Consortium has written a policy paper in response to the Independent Water Commission's review of the water sector. The Government is set to publish a white paper in the coming months, followed by legislation next year. Improved monitoring must be at the heart of reforms. Our report makes 6 key recommendations:

1. Substantial increase in funding for statutory monitoring.

2. Improvement of online data platforms hosted by regulators, water companies and citizen programmes.

3. Creation of a National Catchment Data Platform, combining data from regulators, water companies and citizen science programmes.

4. Embedding citizen science into official monitoring frameworks.

5. Accelerated adoption of new technologies, including Copernicus integration, AI-supported analysis, and the latest water monitoring equipment.

6. Increased focus on small waters and an updated list of monitored pollutants, including PFAS, microplastics, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria

The report has been shared with Emma Hardy, several top Defra officials, widely within the Environment Agency, and amongst other water monitoring groups including citizen scientists, NGOS, and tech companies.