The New Water Reform White Paper
This white paper shackles the public to failed privatised water, promising piecemeal solutions without fundamental reform.
You can find our members responses here:
Ilkley Clean River Group. Government White Paper – greenwashing its failure to address the elephant in the room
Windrush Against Sewage Pollution. New Vision for Water - a mirage or worse?
If you would like our information briefing please email us here
MP Briefing on Water Reform White Paper 24th Feb 2026
Ask your MP to attend our briefing on the Water Reform White Paper. Hosted by Alistair Carmichael MP, Anna Dixon MP, Clive Lewis MP. 17.15 - 18.15. Wilson Room, Portculis House, in the Palace of Westminster
Speakers Feargal Sharkey (SCN President), Prof Becky Malby, Dr Kate Bayliss (Peoples Commission on Water), Ash Smith (WASP)
RSVP to invite on MP email
CAMPAIGN DAY AT WESTMINSTER 17th March 2026
1.30 - 3.30pm MP information Drop In on the White Paper/Bill in Parliament - Ask your MPs to go along.
Room U in Portcullis House
3pm - 5pm All Campaign Groups to book in to meet their MP to lobby
5pm - 6pm Campaigners Debrief, Wilson Room in Portcullis House
World Water Day 22nd March 2026
To celebrate and make the public’s outrage visible local groups are holding events in their communities including processions, wild swims, story telling and library events to highlight the failings of the White Paper and what needs to happen now. With no say in how the government is responding to our water crisis, this is our moment to reaffirm our stake in the future of water. Send us details of your event and we will pin it to our map.
Who we are
We are grassroots campaigners deeply rooted in our local communities, working to save our rivers, lakes, and seas from sewage pollution. As the founders of the current massive public storm, our coalition consists of the forerunners in the fight against sewage pollution—passionate community members dedicated to safeguarding rivers, lakes, and coastlines.
We have not been captured – we don’t take money from government, regulators or the water companies; we are truly independent. We take pride in our integrity.
To save our local waters, we’ve had to step up to challenge the entire water system, campaigning to get the law enforced. We are also mobilising hundreds of community campaign groups like ours, providing briefings and educational sessions, and supporting the practicalities of water testing, campaigning and lobbying.
Each group within the network operates independently, but we speak as one, channeling the public's outrage at pollution for profit.
Clean Water for All:
Wildlife and people have a right to clean, safe water. Sewage pollution endangers public health, ecosystems and biodiversity.
Accountability and Transparency:
We demand transparency from water companies and regulatory bodies. The industry must be held accountable for the environmental damage caused by sewage spills and mismanagement.
What we stand for
Environmental Protection:
Our priority is to defend local habitats and wildlife threatened by sewage discharge and other pollutants.
Community Action:
We support local communities to raise awareness and take action. By using evidence, uniting voices, and working together, we secure lasting change for our rivers, lakes and seas
The Network
The network is powered by passionate local groups and individuals who share a common commitment to protecting our waterways from the onslaught of pollution for profit. Each member brings unique expertise, united by a shared goal of preserving the health of our rivers, lakes and seas.
Our President is Feargal Sharkey.
The Core Committee is made up of:
MEMBERS
SUPPORTERS
Prof David Hall
Visiting Professor, Public Services International Research Unit, University of Greenwich
Professor of Political Ecology
Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University
Prof Frances Cleaver
Professor of Physical Geography
The University of Manchester
Prof Jamie Woodward
Principal Scientist, Environmental Microbiology & Pollution, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Andrew Singer
University College London and
Addingham Environment Group
Prof Rick Battarbee FRS
Stanley Root
Retired Audit Partner
Contact Us
Interested in joining the fight for clean water? Whether you're an individual, a community group, or another organisation, we'd love to connect. Reach out to us to learn how you can get involved, share your story, or support our efforts.
Please contact any of the core members:
Ilkley Clean River Group Ilkeycleanriver@gmail.com
Save Windermere info@savewindermere.com
SOS Whitstable info@soswhitstable.com
Windrush Against Sewage Pollution - here
Henley Mermaids henleymermaids@gmail.com