Liverpool City Region partners for discharge-free River Mersey by 2030

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced a significant partnership with United Utilities and the Mersey Rivers Trust to work towards a discharge-free River Mersey by 2030. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to reduce sewage discharges, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity over the next five years, supporting the government's broader Storm Overflows Reduction Plan. Rotheram emphasized that while the agreement marks the beginning of an important journey, it won’t solve the problem overnight but will focus efforts on long-term environmental goals. The initiative also aims to implement nature-based solutions to alleviate pressure on the sewer network and mitigate flooding risks. In 2023, England experienced a significant increase in raw sewage discharges, highlighting the urgent need for action. Local leaders believe this partnership can set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar environmental challenges.