The Environment Agency’s Chief Scientist’s Annual Review 2025 sets out a clear message: England’s water environment is under increasing pressure, and science must play a central role in managing risks, guiding policy, and securing long-term resilience.
With climate change, population growth, and competing demands placing strain on water systems, the report, published on 31 March 2026, highlights both the scale of the challenge and the evolving scientific response.
At the heart of the review is the recognition that water is a unifying environmental issue. From flooding and drought to water quality and ecosystem health, the report demonstrates how interconnected water systems are with wider environmental and societal pressures. Climate change is intensifying these challenges, with more frequent and severe extremes creating a “too much, too little, too dirty” water scenario. The report stresses that managing this variability requires a more integrated and adaptive approach than ever before.
Flooding remains a major concern. The report outlines advances in modelling and monitoring that are improving the understanding of flood risk across catchments. These tools are helping to inform investment decisions and flood risk management strategies, particularly in areas where traditional engineering solutions may need to be complemented by nature-based approaches. Restoring floodplains, enhancing natural water retention, and working with natural processes are increasingly seen as essential components of resilience planning.
Drought and water scarcity are also highlighted as growing risks, particularly in the context of climate change and increasing demand. The report emphasises the importance of improving water efficiency, managing abstraction sustainably, and ensuring that water resources are protected for both people and the environment. Scientific research is helping to refine water resource planning, enabling more accurate forecasting and better-informed allocation decisions.
Water quality is another key focus. The review outlines ongoing efforts to tackle pollution from multiple sources, including agriculture, wastewater, and urban runoff. The Environment Agency is increasingly using data-driven approaches to monitor pollutants and assess their impacts on rivers, lakes, and groundwater. There is a strong emphasis on understanding cumulative impacts and addressing pollution at a catchment scale, rather than focusing on isolated sources.
A notable development highlighted in the report is the use of enhanced data systems and digital tools. The expansion of integrated datasets and the development of “analysis-ready” environmental data are enabling more consistent and efficient analysis of water systems. This supports better modelling, improved forecasting, and more robust evaluation of environmental interventions. By strengthening the evidence base, these tools are helping to ensure that decisions are grounded in reliable scientific insight.
Nature-based solutions are also gaining prominence. The report points to the role of wetlands, floodplain restoration, and catchment-sensitive farming in improving water quality, reducing flood risk, and enhancing biodiversity. These approaches are increasingly being incorporated into policy and practice, reflecting a shift towards working with natural systems rather than relying solely on engineered solutions.
Importantly, the review highlights the growing emphasis on evaluation. There is a clear recognition that understanding what works—and what does not—is essential for effective water management. This includes assessing the impact of environmental schemes, regulatory approaches, and investment decisions, ensuring that resources are directed where they can deliver the greatest benefit.
