On Earth Day 2025 BSAC and fellow members of the Clean Water Sports Alliance (CWSA) have written an open letter to the head of the Independent Water Commission, urging fresh commitments.
The letter asks Sir Jon Cunliffe, who is leading the Commission, to commit to a clearly defined ‘public health' objective as part of its deliberations. This is an important moment, as it represents an overdue opportunity to reset the relationship between the sector, regulators, investors, customers and all those who enjoy our waters and seek to protect them.
The CWSA is made up of other UK sports National Governing Bodies (NGBs) including the RYA, Paddle UK, British Triathlon and many more.
In the group letter Sir Jon is urged to recommend a clearly defined ‘public health' objective which considers the following:
- Greater prioritisation given to interventions that address the direct risk posed to public health by microbial and chemical pollutants
- Further reform of governance and regulation of water companies, creating purpose led organisations that are transparent and compliant with the law
- Accelerate the use of innovative technologies as part of a nationally coordinated environmental monitoring strategy.
- Introduce more ambitious catchment systems that include recreational users in decision making
- Strengthen duties placed on water companies to provide access for recreational opportunities
- Funds generated from fines and penalties should be ring fenced and reinvested into projects that protect and restore the water environment.
Katherine Knight, BSAC Chair of Environment and Sustainability said:
Everything that enters the river network ultimately ends up in the sea. The health of our rivers is intrinsically linked to the health of the oceans. Clean rivers and waterways are a vital step in safeguarding our own health and that of our aquatic environments.
Take action
The Commission is still inviting our community and its members for their views on how to fix our broken water sector. You’ll need to act fast - the closing date for responses is 23 April.
The Commission is expected to report its findings to the Government in June 2025.
