Earlier this year, more than half of rivers in England failed to pass chemical and ecological tests because of pollution caused by treated and untreated sewage released by the water industry but agriculture is one of the largest contributing factors to rivers being rated unhealthy in England.

When the UK was part of the EU, they were obliged to carry out detailed pollution analysis of waterways and report on it every year.

This no longer happens.

10 out of the 11 English and Welsh water and wastewater firms are planning to increase their prices, with an on average increase of 40%.

They have been heavily criticised for widespread leaks and record sewage discharges.

The water companies say they need more money from their customers in order to invest in the infrastructure required to clean up these problems.

The regulator Ofwat will make its final decision for how much water bills can rise, between 2025 and 2030, on 19 December.

Agencies.