Report an environmental problem

How you report an environmental problem depends on what the problem is. 

Environmental problems can include: 

  • water pollution
  • flooding
  • smells
  • damage to nature
  • illegal fishing
  • a collapsed river bank

There’s a different way to report an environmental incident in Wales, an environmental incident in Scotland and an environmental incident in Northern Ireland.

Report water pollution 

Water pollution includes sewage or spills in places such as the sea, rivers, lakes, streams or canals.

Report water pollution.

Report flooding

Report a flood or possible cause of flooding.

Report a blocked river

Report a blockage in a river in England, including a buildup of rubbish, stone or soil or a fallen tree.

Report a smell

If the smell is coming from a neighbour or local business, contact your local council. You’ll need to ask for their environmental health department.

There’s a different way to report a smell from a waste facility, industrial site or farm.

Report illegal fishing 

Illegal fishing includes fishing out of season, without a licence, using illegal equipment and the catching or trapping of protected species. 

Report illegal fishing.

Report other environmental problems 

Call the Environment Agency to report:

  • collapsed or badly damaged river banks
  • damage or danger to the natural environment
  • dead fish or fish gasping for air
  • people taking water illegally from rivers, streams, canals or underground sources such as wells
  • incidents at Environment Agency-regulated waste sites
  • pollution to land
  • unusual changes in river flow

Environment Agency incident hotline
Telephone: 0800 80 70 60
24-hour service
Find out about call charges 

You’ll need to give an email address if you want to get a reference number.

There’s a different way to make a complaint about the Environment Agency.

After you make your report

Find out how the Environment Agency respond to problems you report.

Report waste crime

Reporting fly-tipping, large-scale dumping or other waste crimes.

Problems you should report to your local council

Contact your local council to:

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