Public input sought to develop shared vision for the tidal Thames 

The first community-led plan to improve the River Thames has been launched in a new partnership between Thames21 and Thames Estuary Partnership (TEP).

The two Thames charities have been tasked by the Government to help stakeholders and communities across the tideway build a plan for long-term improvements in the water quality and ecological health of the tidal Thames.

Public and stakeholder views will be sought at a series of pop-up workshops and one to one meetings. The first pop-up workshop, and chance for people to have their say will be held on June 1^st.

The ‘Your Tidal Thames’ project follows the launch in January this year by Defra and the Environment Agency of a ‘catchment-based’ approach to working with people and organisations that can make a difference to the health of England’s water environments.  25 river catchments across England have been selected to test out this approach to river basin management planning, before it is expanded across the country. Your Tidal Thames is the only catchment pilot on a tidal river.

The initiative grew out of the Water Framework Directive, which commits EU member states to achieving ‘good status’ for all water bodies.

Water Minister Richard Benyon said: “Our rivers are vital for our health, well-being, leisure and the environment and we’ve all got a role to play in making sure they are as clean as they can be. People don’t always make the link between the water in their rivers and their own actions, such as how they use water at home. This type of collaborative, community led project will inspire people to value their local rivers and to take action to look after them.”

Thames21 Chief Executive Debbie Leach said:  “The tidal River Thames was rightly selected as a Pilot Catchment.  TheThamesis the most complex and fascinating river in the country, and everyone who uses or benefits from it should have a say in its future well-being.  By working together to co-host Your Tidal Thames, Thames21 and TEP can provide the reach, experience and expertise to involve and bring together the huge variety of stakeholders and interests in the Tidal Thames.”

Thames Estuary Partnership Director Jill Goddard said:  “We’re looking forward to a productive year collaborating with the wide mix of partners who make up the Thames community to produce a plan that has genuine support and delivery.”

At present the status of the tidal Thames has been classified as ‘moderate’- the aim is that the river should work towards ‘good’ water quality and ecological potential, with reviews in 2015, 2021 and 2027.

Thames21 and TEP combined have 36 years’ experience working on the river and in stakeholder engagement. The engagement process will involve people and organisations from Teddington Lock downstream to Haven Point on the north bank of the Thames Estuary in Essex and Warden Point on the south bank in Kent.  The plan will be developed over the next year and will lead to practical delivery and action to improve the tidal Thames.

The first pop up workshop and opportunity for people to have their say in the development of the plan will be on 1^st June, 4pm to 7pm on the South Bank. Contact Thames21 for further details.

For more information, contact Alice Hall: alice.hall@thames21.org.uk/ 07824 692 592
or Amy Pryor: a.pryor@ucl.ac.uk/07917758851

Media enquiries, images and interviews: please contact Emily Braham on 020 7213 0166 or 07827 352675 or emily.braham@thames21.org.uk  

Notes to editors:

• Thames21 is an environmental charity (registered number 1103997) working to bring London’s waterways to life. Each year, with the help of around 11,000 volunteers, Thames21 works to improve the capitals rivers, tributaries and canal networks with a wide variety of programmes and activities www.thames21.org.uk www.twitter.com/thames21 www.facebook.com/thames21

• Thames Estuary Partnership is a charity (registered number 1083199) which approaches the challenge of managing the Thames Estuary from a neutral viewpoint that values the contribution of all estuary users. We seek to learn from,  work with and give voice to their knowledge and expertise through multi-sectoral action groups, practical projects, a bi-annual magazine and an annual forum. Our network runs from Tower Bridge in London to the Isle of Grain in Kent and Shoeburyness in Essex. www.thamesweb.com
• The Water Framework Directive: The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is the most substantial piece of EC water legislation to date and is designed to improve and integrate the way water bodies are managed throughout Europe. In the UK, much of the implementation work will be undertaken by competent authorities. It came into force on 22 December 2000, and was put into UK law (transposed) in 2003. Member States must aim to reach good chemical and ecological status in inland and coastal waters by 2015. http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/wfd/

• Win a£50 Amazon voucher
  
• Have your photo featured in an East London Exhibition!

Each year, Thames21 hosts a photography competition which aims to get people out and about enjoying their local waterways, while demonstrating their photography skills too.

Last year, Bethan Wilson’s image (left) took out the winning prize for the best depiction of East London’s waterways, combining nature, industry and the changing environment.

This time the Big Waterways Clean Up 2012 is looking for your best images of ‘The waterways of the Olympic host boroughs’!

To give you an idea, think nature, London 2012, sports and people enjoying their rivers and canals.

The winning picture will receive a £50 Amazon voucher, and 15 selected entries will be featured in an exhibition at Millers House Café, from Wednesday 4th  July for one month.

Enter your image by 30th June!

This photography competition aims to be open to all people and all photography styles. You can email your hi-res image, or post your image to our Bow Lock offices:

email: ben.fenton@thames21.org.uk
post: Thames21, Bow Lock Office, Gillender St, London, E3 3JY

For more information please contact Ben Fenton 07920230970 ben.fenton@thames21.org.uk

Environmental Charity Thames21 is again teaming up with Friends of Riverside Gardens Erith (FORGE) and the community of Erith to improve Thames Riverside for visitors and wildlife.

After several fun and muddy sessions, another intensive day of community action is needed to finally tackle the build-up of rubbish in and along the river.

Large amounts of waste are embedded in the tidal mudflats at this site, including shopping trolleys and traffic cones, visible at low tide, but regular events have helped make drastic improvements.

Thames21’s River Programmes Coordinator Alice Hall said “The riverside walk around Erith Pier, and past Riverside Gardens is a local beauty spot, but when neglected it can also become a terrible eyesore for visitors. This is a great chance to get outdoors and make a practical difference to the area – come and join us, meet new people and help your local environment.”

The muddy foreshore makes clearing this area a real challenge, but with pulley systems, some enthusiasm and Thames21 staff support it makes for a positive and rewarding work.

The shoreline and walkway can be safely and easily cleared by vo lunteers, while Thames21 staff will tackle the deeply embedded la rger items in the mud.

Thames21 will supply all the necessary equipment; volunteers should just need to turn up on the day in old clothes that they don’t mind getting dirty. Under 16s should be accompanied by an adult.

Please let us know if you have any access requirements.

This event is supported by Morrison’s, London Borough of Bexley, Erith Safer Neighbourhood Team, Erith Yacht Club and Erith Town Forum.
For more information, or to register please contact Michael Heath: michael.heath@thames21.org.uk/ 07968 805751

 [ENDS]

Media enquiries, images and interviews: please contact Emily Braham on 020 7213 0166 or 07827 352675 or emily.braham@thames21.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

• Thames21 is an environmental charity (registered number 1103997) working with communities to improve their rivers and canals  www.thames21.org.uk
• Thames21 is supported by, and works closely with, thePort ofLondon Authority, Thames Water, Environment Agency, Corporation of London, Keep Britain Tidy and British Waterways.
• You can follow Thames21’s updates on Twitter – www.twitter.com/thames21

On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 of May, visitors will have the chance to travel back in time and discover some of our river’s long and wonderful history.

A medieval knife, a spur and Roman glass have been some of the previous finds at this annual event. The beach is still scattered with artefacts such as clay tobacco pipes, animal bones and fragments of pottery that archaeologist will help identify during the day.

This event is coordinated by Thames21 in partnership with the Historic Royal Palaces, the City of London Archaeological Society and Oxford Archaeology Unit and is part of the Big Waterways Clean Up 2012.

Timings: Saturday May 26 : 11am to 1pm
Sunday May 27: 11.30am to 1.30pm 

We are also looking for stewards for this event to help make it safe and enjoyable for all. They will be required from 10am to 3pm on both days. For more information, please contact Ben Fenton

‘I’m very excited to be able to represent all staff and volunteers of Thames21 and the Big Waterways Clean Up as an Olympic Torchbearer,’ Ben said.
‘I’m really proud of what the campaign has achieved so far and look forward to continuing to work closely with communities for long-term benefit of East London’s waterways.’

Ben will be running on July 26^th, one of 8000 torchbearers chosen from a pool of tens of thousands of hopefuls.

The Big Waterways Clean Up 2012 aims to actively involve 4000 Londoners in making long-term improvements to East London’s waterways and is part of the London 2012 Inspired programme, which recognises exceptional and innovative projects inspired by the 2012 Games.

Grant Fear has a strong background in coordinating angling-related projects in London and is well-placed to work with communities across the capital to encourage people to fish their local waters.

There are a large number of excellent angling waters in London, many of which have been cleaned up by Thames21 over the past decade.  As well as the River Thames, there is a network of rivers, canals, reservoirs and ponds throughout the capital, but information about where to fish can be hard to come by for young people.

London Angling Development Manager Grant Fear said: ‘London is a fantastic place for angling, and many of our best fishing spots are under-utilised. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to make the sport more accessible for Londoners and to help ensure its sustainability into the future.’

Read full press release here

Appointment of London Development Manager to boost sustainable angling in local communities

A joint initiative by the Environment Agency, Angling Trust and Thames21 aims to boost angling opportunities and the number of anglers in the capital with the appointment of a new angling development manager for London.

Grant Fear has a strong background in coordinating angling-related projects inLondonand is well-placed to work with communities across the capital to encourage people to fish their local waters.

There are a large number of excellent angling waters in London, many of which have been cleaned up by the environmental charity Thames21 over the past decade.  As well as the River Thames, there is a network of rivers, canals, reservoirs and ponds throughout the capital, but information about where to fish can be hard to come by for young people.

London Angling Development Manager Grant Fear said: ‘London is a fantastic place for angling, and many of our best fishing spots are under-utilised. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to make the sport more accessible for Londoners and to help ensure its sustainability into the future.’

Angling is an excellent activity for young or disaffected people as it encourages concentration, understanding of, and respect for, the natural world and builds a range of skills.  It has been shown to have a transformational effect on many young people who have got into trouble in the past. Additionally, the presence of anglers on the waterside can help prevent litter, graffiti, vandalism and reduce the rate and fear of crime.  Recent research has highlighted the important role that anglers play in maintaining and improving water environments.

Environment Agency Fisheries Specialist Lawrence Talks, said, ‘I am excited about the opportunities for developing angling in London and our partnership with Thames21 and the Angling Trust will help give Londoners the opportunity to try fishing, learn about wetland wildlife and get involved.’

Angling Trust’s Chief Executive Mark Lloyd said: ‘Grant’s appointment is supported by Sport England and will expand on some existing good work such as getting angling included in the London School Games.  He will be aiming to increase the training and coordination of coaches through two London Angling Action Groups and will also improve the availability of information about where to fish in the capital, particularly through Angling Trust member clubs and fisheries.’

Thames21 Chief Executive Debbie Leach said: ‘This initiative will be fantastic for both new and existing anglers inLondon. In Grant’s previous role with Thames21, he was responsible for introducing thousands of people to the sport.  Now, this important new partnership between Thames21, the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency will help create a vibrant, developing angling scene inLondonwhich opens up a range of opportunities and ways for people to enjoy and progress in angling.’

For more information, or to get involved, contact Grant Fear, grant.fear@thames21.org.uk/ 07969 645 201

Notes to Editors

• The London Angling Development Programme is part of a partnership programme between the Angling Trust, Thames21 and the Environment Agency.
• For more information about recent research highlight the beneficial effect of angling, go to: Fishing for Answers at www.susbstance.coop.
• Thames21 is an environmental charity, working with communities to improve rivers and canals for people and wildlife. Thames21 is a keen supporter of angling programmes and coordinates the annual Catch21 programme to promote to engage people in fishing activities in London www.thames21.org.uk/catch21 @thames21 Facebook.com/Thames21

• This post is being partly funded by rod licence money and  Sport England funding. It is an example of how rod licence money is reinvested into protecting and improving fisheries and into the sport of angling.
• The Environment Agency is the leading public body protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. It’s our job to make sure that air, land and water are looked after by everyone in today’s society, so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world.  Our work includes tackling flooding and pollution incidents, reducing industry’s impacts on the environment, cleaning up rivers, coastal waters and contaminated land, and improving fisheries and wildlife habitats.
• Sport England is the government agency responsible creating a world class community sport environment. Sport England is accountable to Parliament through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Sport England’s new strategy is focused on helping people and communities across the country create a sporting habit for life. www.sportengland.org

London’s young and are old are being called on to get involved in a new campaign to improve the borough’s rivers and canals ahead of the London 2012 Games.

Volunteers of any age, ability and background can get involved in the Big Waterways Clean Up 2012 and make a practical difference to the city’s iconic waterways, which will frame the eye for millions of visitors to the capital this summer.

Residents are invited to take part in range of free, unique volunteering events including, kayak-based litter clean ups, wildflower meadows planting days, invasive plant species removal days and many more, inspired by the 2012 London Games.

Hackney resident and green living campaigner Natalie Madie said: “This is a great example of local volunteering with the emphasis on residents taking pride in their own surroundings and public space. As a Hackney resident who regularly enjoys exploringRegentsCanal, I’m looking forward to taking part in these events so our waterways can be enjoyed in all their glory!”

Campaign coordinator Ben Fenton said: “London is lucky to have a fantastic network of waterways which will be a central part of the 2012 Games, and this is a great opportunity for people to be genuinely involved in the process of making it, and our city an example for the world this summer and into the future.”

The Big Waterways Clean Up 2012, which was launched earlier this year in Hackney by Waterway Minister Richard Benyon, aims to involve at least 4000 Londoners in more than 80 events, transforming over 50 waterway locations along 30km of rivers and canals by July 2012 when the eyes of the world turn to the capital. Events will include walking waterway litter-picks, wildflower meadow planting and non-native invasive weed removal.

It has wide support from political, sporting and charitable groups and individuals, and is and being championed by Olympic rower and defending Gold champion Mark Hunter.

The campaign has been developed hand in hand with local communities and aims to allow as many people as possible to take part in and share in the green legacy of the London 2012 Games.

Andrew Altman, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “The Big Waterways Clean Up is a great way for local people to build community spirit and improve their surroundings. The waterways will be an important part of life on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park after the 2012 Games so projects like these are an another example of how legacy plans are more advanced than any previous host Olympic city.”

The campaign aims to inspire and support the next generation to care for their water spaces, with planned hands-on ‘waterway discovery days’ and an education pack developed especially for school children.

Thames21’s training programme, which will run alongside the programme, will ensure the sustainability of the campaign, by equipping volunteers who want to lead their own events with the skills, confidence and support to do so.

The Big Waterways Clean Up 2012 is a partnership campaign, delivered by environmental charity Thames21 under the aegis of London Waterways Commission, with the support of Environment Agency, British Waterways, London Legacy Development Corporation, London 2012 Changing Places programme, the Greater London Authority, Port of London Authority, London Councils, City of London Corporation, and the Inland Waterways Association.

All equipment provided by Thames21. All ages and abilities welcome. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on the campaign and to sign up see:
www.thames21.org.uk/project/bwcu or contact Ben: ben.fenton@thames21.org.uk/ 07920230970

A few upcoming events: (see all events here)

Regents Canal Clean Up
Wednesday, April 18

Free Narrowboat Trip
Tuesday, May 1
limited spaces

Create a wildflower Meadow with London 2012 Mad About Meadows
Wednesday, May 9
Hackney Wick

Notes to editors:
Big W­­­­aterways Clean Up 2012 partnership
The Big Waterways Clean Up 2012 is a partnership campaign delivered by environmental charity Thames21 under the aegis of the London Waterways Commission, with the support of Environment Agency, British Waterways, London 2012 Changing Places programme, Greater London Authority, London Legacy Development Corporation, Port of London Authority, London Councils, City of London Corporation, and the Inland Waterways Association.
www.thames21.org.uk/project/bwcu2012

Mark Hunter
Mark is a British Olympic squad rower and the reigning Olympic Champion in the lightweight men’s double scull. He was awarded an MBE in the 2009 New Year’s Honours list in recognition of his achievement.
http://www.britishrowing.org/gb-rowing-team/biographies/mark-hunter

Inspire programme
BWCU2012 is one of the outstanding projects granted the London 2012 Inspire mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire programme, which recognises exceptional and innovative projects inspired by the London 2012 Games.
http://www.london2012.com/inspire-programme

London Waterways Commission
The London Waterways Commission (LWC) has been established by the Mayor of London to advise the Mayor strategically on waterways issues and to support the implementation of the Blue Ribbon Network policies within the London Plan.
http://www.london.gov.uk/waterways/

Thames21
Thames21 is the voice for London’s waterways, working with communities to improve rivers and canals for people and wildlife. It mobilises over 9000 volunteers every year to clean and green the capital’s 400 mile network of waterways.
www.thames21.org.uk, www.twitter.com/thames21, www.facebook.com/thames21

British Waterways
In 2012 the canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks cared for by British Waterways in England and Wales will transfer to the ownership of the Canal & River Trust.  This represents the next exciting chapter in the history of the waterways.  When launched, the Trust will be among the largest charities in the UK.  It will give people a greater role in the running of their local waterways, secure investment in the historic network and open up new sources of income.
www.waterscape.com/trust

London 2012 Changing Places programme
The London 2012 Changing Places programme has been created to secure environmental improvements for the communities that surround the Olympic Park and other Games venues.  The programme is coordinated by the London Organising Committee but works closely with over forty organisations to deliver a range of inspirational projects.  For further information about the programme and our partners please visit the London 2012 website: http://www.london2012.com/making-it-happen/sustainability/changing-places/about-changing-places.php

The London Legacy Development Corporation
The London Legacy Development Corporation promotes and delivers physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding area, in particular by maximising the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It will secure high-quality sustainable development and investment and ensure the long-term success of the facilities and assets within its direct control and supporting and promoting the aim of convergence.
It takes over responsibility for the Park from the Olympic Park Legacy Company, and additional powers including planning powers from October 2012 from the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. For more information visit: www.londonlegacy.co.uk/about-us

Environment Agency
The Environment Agency is an executive non departmental public body responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Its principal aims are to protect and improve the environment, and to promote sustainable development. The Environment Agency’s involvement with projects such as the Big Waterways Clean Up 2012 is an example of its partnership work with other organisations to get a job done in priority locations such as East London, where the project is building on the environmental legacy work already achieved in preparation for the Olympic Games 2012.
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/

Inland Waterways Association
The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is a registered charity, founded in 1946, which advocates the conservation, use, maintenance, restoration and development of the inland waterways for public benefit.
http://www.waterways.org.uk/

City of London Corporation
The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation. It supports and promotes the City as the world leader in international finance and business services and provides local services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the nation.
http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation

Port of London Authority
The Port of London Authority covers 95 miles of the River Thames. It works to keep commercial and leisure users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.
http://www.pla.co.uk/

For further information, interviews or images, please contact Emily Braham emily.braham@thames21.org.uk 020 7213 0166/ 07827 352 675.

  Sponsored by
           

 Volunteers needed to help ‘Deep Clean’ Thames foreshore on

 lowest tides of 2012

9^th and 10^th March – West London
11^th and 13^st March – West London

Hundreds of volunteers are set to give the River Thames a Deep Clean to mark the lowest daytime tides of 2012, led by Thames21, London’s leading waterways charity. The events will be sponsored by M&G Investments.

Volunteers are needed to take advantage of this brief annual opportunity to clean and green the vast expanses of river that are normally covered by regular tides. The first two events will take place in West London on March 9 and 10, while East London and the Isle of Dogs – one of the worst affected areas for plastic bag litter, will be the focus of the second two events on March 11 and 13.
Chris Coode Thames21 senior programme manager said: “With your help, the Deep Clean has been one of our biggest success stories. Mass volunteer efforts are without doubt the best way to tackle this amount of litter, and it is also the perfect chance for young and old to see the river up close in a fun and safe setting. Come and join us, and make a real difference to your environment, or just enjoy the Thames from a different angle.”

Thames21 volunteers have removed more than 300,000 plastic bags that collect in the mud on the river bend at the Isle of Dogs since 2001, helping to transform the foreshore from a dense carpet of plastic bag litter, making use of these low tides to tackle waste far from the water’s edge. In last year’s Deep Clean, over 300 volunteers freed the river of over 9 tonnes of litter.

Plastic litter is not only an eyesore, which blights people’s enjoyment of the River Thames as a great natural resource, but it permanently endangers wildlife, both in the Thames estuary and when washed out to sea. As many know, plastic never completely decomposes, but breaks down into smaller and more easily digestible pieces, causing great problems for all types of river and marine wildlife.

Thames21 will provide all equipment, support and guidance necessary to help several hundred volunteers make a practical improvement to London’s environment. Those taking part will also get the rare chance to get onto the foreshore at low tide, meet like-minded people and get a new perspective on London’s waterways.

Individuals and small groups do not need to register but those coming in a group of more than 10 and those wanting more information are kindly requested to contact Alice Hall: alice.hall@thames21.org.uk/ 07824 692 592

www.thames21.org.uk/deepclean

Event details:

Quotes for press use:
Jim Fitzpatrick, MP for Poplar, Limehouse:
“The Isle of Dogs has long been a collection point for plastic litter, and Thames21’s clean-up events at the site have made a huge difference to the problem. The Deep Clean is the perfect opportunity for local residents to join them on foreshore and make a real and lasting difference our area, and to the River Thames.” 

Richard Miles, Director of Corporate Communications, M&G Investments:
“M&G Investments is delighted to be supporting the annual Deep Clean on the Thames foreshore again this year and to support the work of Thames21 in highlighting the importance of caring for the environment.”

Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith:
“The Thames is a wonderful asset and has long been enjoyed by the people of Hammersmith, but it is also our responsibility to look after it – I urge as many people as possible to get out there and join Thames21 for this year’s Deep Clean.”

John Tagholm, London writer, producer director and Thames21 volunteer:
“The protection of the River Thames has always been incredibly important to me, both professionally and personally. I first started my career on the Thames at Puddle Dock near Blackfriars Bridge (which made way for the Mermaid Theatre) and the river is now the subject of my latest novel. I have attended about 6 clean-ups with Thames21 and have loved every single one. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants to take part in a well-organised practical event that really makes a difference.”

Notes to editors:

• Thames21 is an environmental charity (registered number 1103997) working to bring London’s waterways to life. Each year, with the help of around 9,000 volunteers, Thames21 works to improve the capitals rivers, tributaries and canal networks with a wide variety of programmes and activities www.thames21.org.uk www.twitter.com/thames21 www.facebook.com/thames21
• The Deep Clean is an annual mass clean up event, now in its 4^th year. www.thames21.org.uk/deepclean
• M&G launched the UK’s first mutual fund in 1931 and has continued this history of innovation ever since
  M&G offers investors a wide range of funds across equities, bonds, property and multi asset. www.mandg.co.uk

Thames21 works with local communities on the River Thames and tributaries and there is growing public concern over water levels.  The consequences of reduced volumes of water in our rivers can be severe for the plants and animals.  Reedbeds, for example along the tributaries provide essential habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, as well as improving the river by removing pollutants from the water, but are under threat from reducing water levels.  Wildlife habitat in riverbanks can be left high and dry and exposed. Reduced water levels have a direct impact on the quality of the water.  For example, pollution such as sewage overflows have less water to dilute them and can devastate wildlife such as the young and vulnerable fish to be found in our rivers in summer.  Less water in the river also means that the water heats up more quickly, reducing the levels of oxygen in the water upon which aquatic wildlife depends.

More water is being taken from rivers to fill our taps through abstraction due to the dry conditions, and It is clear that the relationship between abstraction and river health will continue to be a growing theme in conservation as pressures increase. Last year, we had only 79 per cent of average rainfall. Thames Water’s East London desalination plant is likely to be in operation soon, signalling the extent of the current shortage.

While water is used for many purposes, ultimately water companies must abstract from rivers as much water as people use. To reduce this pressure, we need to push for greater water efficiency at all levels. There simply isn’t enough water around to meet all needs, at present.

Everyone needs to address this problem now before it is a problem for all of us.

- use to be attributed to Thames21 Chief Executive, Debbie Leach.

See Defra’s statement here