Pollution in Rivers

Spotting pollution and how to report it.

When you spot a pollution incident, you should call the Environment Agency’s incident hotline.

The hotline is open 24 hours a day, and the information you provide will be logged and assessed to help determine the appropriate response.

Examples of incidents include:

  • Dead fish or fish gasping for air
  • Oil pollution
  • River blockages
  • Chemical pollution

Environment Agency incident hotline
Telephone: 0800 80 70 60

Environment Agency
Cloudy, discoloured water visible near a drainage outfall entering a river, indicating possible pollution or sediment runoff.

Cloudy appearance to water near an outfall

Oil slick on surface of water

Bright orange ochre pollution entering a stream from historic mining activity, staining riverbanks and affecting water quality.

Ochre discharge from mining legacy

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