Waterwatch UK

Who we are

Our Vision

A UK free from water pollution, where communities lead the fight to protect and restore their local waterways.

Our Mission

Waterwatch UK empowers communities to hold polluters accountable and drive systemic change. Through public engagement, advocacy, and evidence-based action, we work to ensure clean and healthy waters for everyone.

How It Started

Waterwatch UK began in Southend with a simple but powerful goal: to drive real, measurable action from water companies, regulators, and local stakeholders. Starting at a local level, we have proven that communities can be a driving force for change. As we transition into a charity, our ambition is to expand our impact, bringing more communities together to fight for cleaner, healthier waters.

Our Role

We don’t just hold water companies to account, we challenge local authorities, Ofwat, the Environment Agency, ECAS, MPs, the government, the agricultural sector, and anyone else responsible for polluting our waters. These groups must answer not only to regulators but also to independent organisations like Waterwatch UK, which represent the voices of those directly affected.

Working Together for Change

Ending water pollution requires collective action. That’s why we collaborate with like-minded organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage, Friends of the Thames, and other environmental groups that share our vision for clean, healthy waterways. By working together, we strengthen our impact, amplify community voices, and push for meaningful policy changes.

Independence & Accountability

Waterwatch UK remains independent, ensuring that no single entity controls the conversation. Our role is to drive meaningful action, bringing all responsible parties to the table to deliver long-term solutions. We work alongside communities to push for lasting improvements, ensuring that those causing pollution are also part of the solution.

With communities leading the way and partnerships strengthening our reach, Waterwatch UK is committed to building a future where clean water is a reality for all.

Waterwatch UK is currently transitioning to become a charity, strengthening its mission to hold polluters accountable and empower communities to protect and improve water quality. We work to ensure transparency, drive policy change, and support public engagement in safeguarding our waterways.

Our culture and values

Waterwatch UK: Core Beliefs & Working Practices

1. Our Core Beliefs

Waterwatch UK is built on the foundation that everyone has the right to clean water and a healthy environment. Our work is driven by the following core beliefs:

A. Accountability & Transparency

• Those responsible for water pollution—whether water companies, regulators, or industries—must be held accountable.
• Transparent, evidence-based reporting is essential to restoring public trust.

B. Community Empowerment

• Local communities must have a voice in decisions affecting their waterways.
• Public participation and education are key to driving long-term change.

C. Environmental Protection

• Safeguarding the UK’s rivers, seas, and lakes is essential for public health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
• Pollution prevention should be prioritised over crisis response.

D. Independence & Integrity

• We remain politically neutral and free from corporate influence.
• Our advocacy is guided by facts, science, and ethical responsibility.

E. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Water issues impact everyone, but marginalised communities often bear the greatest burden.
• We actively work to include diverse voices in our governance, campaigns, and outreach.

2. Our Working Practices

Waterwatch UK’s approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and solutions-focused. We achieve impact through:

A. Community-Led Advocacy

• We work with local groups, campaigners, and residents to highlight pollution issues.
• We support grassroots initiatives and amplify community concerns at the national level.

B. Policy & Regulatory Engagement

• We engage with policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to push for systemic change.
• We respond to consultations, provide recommendations, and advocate for stronger enforcement of environmental laws.

C. Public Awareness & Education

• We provide accessible data and insights on water quality issues.
• We run workshops, reports, and events to inform and empower the public.

D. Collaboration & Partnerships

• We work with environmental groups, scientists, local authorities, and legal experts to strengthen our impact.
• We seek partnerships that align with our mission and values.

E. Ethical Governance & Operations

• Our governance is transparent, accountable, and compliant with charity regulations.
• We operate with financial integrity, ensuring funds are used effectively to maximise impact.

3. How We Measure Success

We track our impact through:

• Public Engagement – Growth in community participation and awareness.
• Corporate & Regulator Accountability – Actions taken against polluters.
• Environmental Improvements – Measurable reductions in pollution incidents.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Waterwatch UK Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy

1. Purpose

Waterwatch UK is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of background, identity, or circumstance—is treated with dignity and respect. As we transition to becoming a charity, we recognise the importance of embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in our governance, operations, and public engagement.

2. Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Ensuring our board, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
• Eliminating discrimination and fostering an inclusive culture.
• Providing equal opportunities in recruitment, participation, and leadership roles.
• Recognising and addressing barriers that may prevent people from engaging with Waterwatch UK.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Trustees, staff, and volunteers
• Partners and collaborators
• Participants in Waterwatch UK events and initiatives

4. Legal Framework

Waterwatch UK operates in line with the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from discrimination based on:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race (including ethnicity, nationality, and national origin)
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

5. Key Principles

A. Inclusive Recruitment & Representation

• We actively seek diverse voices and perspectives, particularly from underrepresented groups.
• Our recruitment and trustee selection processes are designed to be accessible and inclusive.
• We encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of environmental injustice.

B. Anti-Discrimination & Harassment

• Discrimination, harassment, or victimisation of any kind will not be tolerated.
• Any reports of discrimination will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

C. Accessibility & Participation

• We ensure that our events, meetings, and resources are accessible to all.
• We accommodate reasonable adjustments for disabilities and different needs.

D. Inclusive Decision-Making

• We strive for representation in governance and decision-making.
• We engage with diverse communities to ensure our work reflects their needs and priorities.

6. Implementation & Accountability

• The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring this policy is upheld.
• We will review and update this policy annually to reflect best practices.
• Feedback on our EDI efforts is welcome and can be sent to [email protected].