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Environment and greener living
Air and river quality, flood risk areas and clean beaches
There are many things you can find out about the environment where you live. You can check local air quality and flooding risks, and see how clean your local beach or river is. The 2004 Environmental Information Regulations also give you the right to access environmental information from public bodies.
Air quality
Local air quality information is collected at hundreds of monitoring points across the UK. Information is available on levels of pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, lead, particulate matter, benzene, carbon monoxide and ground level ozone.
National air quality information is published on the UK National Air Quality Information Archive website. Your local council may have its own air quality information, as it has a responsibility to review the air quality in its area. Your council also has a responsibility to take action, along with others, where it identifies problems.
You can find out what the latest air pollution levels are like and get forecasts for your area by:
- calling Freephone 0800 556 677
- looking at TV Teletext page 156
- visiting the websites below
River quality
In 2005 the Environment Agency monitored river quality at 8,000 sites in England and Wales, covering 40,000 km on around 3,500 rivers and canals. This monitoring involves measuring pollutants and looking at the quality of the waterlife present. The information is publicly available to anyone who is interested. Results are published for:
Chemical pollutants and waterlife
Chemistry (pollutants) and biology (waterlife) are monitored, with rivers classified from A (very good quality) to F (bad quality).
Nutrients
Nutrients (substances like nitrates and orthophosphates) are also monitored. Rivers across the country naturally have different levels of these nutrients and they are not necessarily bad for the environment. However, they can sometimes harm wildlife and plants. Waters are classified from grade 1 (very low presence of nutrients) to grade 6 (very high levels of nitrates or excessively high levels of phosphates).
Beaches
In 2006 the Environment Agency monitored 493 bathing waters in England and Wales. Measurements are taken to check for traces of human sewage. Sampling begins two weeks before the start of the bathing season (15 May to the 30 September). 20 weekly samples are then taken at places where people bathe.
A Blue Flag award is given to beaches that achieve the highest standards. The award is based on the quality of the water, good facilities like litter collection, toilets and life-saving equipment, and other factors. The quality of bathing waters has improved greatly over the last few years. In 2007, 140 beaches in England and Wales were awarded a Blue Flag, compared with 12 in 1987.
Flooding
Flood maps are available from the Environment Agency. These are searchable by post code or place name and show whether areas are considered to be at risk of flooding.
The Environment Agency also provides flood warnings and information about how to prepare for flooding if it happens. If you live in an area at risk, you may be able to register for warnings by telephone, mobile, fax or pager. Call the Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit the links below for more information.
Parks and green spaces
Green spaces are an important part of the local environment, providing open space and contact with plants and wildlife. Green spaces range from small village greens to National Parks. The Green Flag award is a national standard which recognises the best green spaces in England and Wales.
Noise, nuisance and litter
Problems like excessive noise, fly-tipping and litter can all have a big impact on your local environment.
What's in your backyard?
You can search for information about many of the topics mentioned here using the Environment Agency's postcode search. The site also provides other information, like sources of pollution in your area. Some of the information provided is detailed and quite technical.
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