River management in the Humber catchment

Abstract

The Humber Estuary receives runoff from a fifth of the area of England, much of which is densely populated and industrialised. The river systems have been much altered by abstractions, effluent discharges, inter-river water transfers and changes to the physical habitat of channels. The riverine inputs of water, sediment and contaminants have a major influence on the environment of the Humber and the North Sea. Residual flow conditions are important for protecting uses of the rivers and the estuary. Some of the rivers have had a long history of pollution,although much investment in effluent treatment is in progress to improve water quality and ecology, and to achieve environmental quality standards for dangerous substances specified in international legislation. The aim is for a more sustainable management of the river systems, balancing the interests of their legitimate users.