Thames21’s Response to Defra’s Water White Paper

On January 20, the Government published its Water White Paper, described as a “once-in-a-generation overhaul”. While we welcome the focus on a stronger regulator and oversight, the White Paper does not go far enough to protect and restore our rivers. 

As an environmental charity, Thames21 works to transform London and the Thames Basin into a healthier, more climate-resilient region with rivers that everyone can enjoy. Real reform must focus on rivers themselves, not just water companies. 

We support measures such as a new Water Ombudsman, stronger complaints mechanisms, ending operator self-monitoring, and better access to rivers. However, key gaps remain: citizen science is omitted, cross-sector pollution is under-addressed, investment in nature-based solutions is insufficient, and national action on chemical pollution and emerging contaminants is weak. 

Thames21 calls on the Government to: 

• Set legally binding ecological targets for rivers. 

• Invest in community-led catchment partnerships, nature-based solutions, and citizen science. 

• Integrate citizen monitoring into regulatory systems through open data. 

• Reduce pollution from urban, agricultural, and industrial sources. 

• Commit to tackling chemical pollutants, including PFAS and microplastics. 

Rivers are living systems, not just infrastructure. Thames21 will continue to work with communities, partners, and policymakers to ensure London’s rivers are clean, resilient, and thriving for people and nature alike. 

Read full statement here.