Research and analysis

Faecal contamination: challenges for the water environment

The evidence of faecal contamination, sources of contamination and control measures.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 22 October 2021
• Last updated: 16 March 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 16 March 2026

     This narrative has been updated to support the significant water management issues consultation. The publishing format has been updated for accessibility.

  2. 20 November 2025

     An update to this narrative in planned by 31 December 2025.

  3. 22 October 2021

     First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Faecal contamination: challenges for the water environment

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Details

This report describes:

• the evidence for and sources of faecal contamination in the water environment
• control measures for industry and agriculture
• interactions with other challenges