BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Face the Facts

Factual: Consumer

Original investigations into social injustice, public policy, inefficiency and fraud

Face the Facts: Sold Down River

Sold Down River

31/07/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Face the Facts, Sold Down River

John Waite investigates how rivers are paying the price for our cheap water.

John Waite investigates how an outdated licensing framework that provides us with cheap water is costing rivers dearly.

Our tap water costs less than a tenth of a penny per litre. Most of it comes from rivers. A licensing system designed more than half a century ago means water companies can legally, and easily, extract large quantities of good quality water from water courses to deliver cheaply to the consumer. But, as John Waite reveals, it's the environment that is all too often paying the price for our low water bills. In this week's Face the Facts, we hear why the country's water framework is in desperate need of reform. As climate change and a growing population puts water supplies under increasing pressure, John investigates an outdated licensing system which is depleting many water courses. He hears of the 'lamentable stewardship' of iconic chalk streams, some of which now run completely dry; the missed opportunity in the recent Water Bill to tackle the long-known problem of over abstraction, and the dilemma facing the government and the water companies - put prices up to pay for costly alternatives, or let rivers pay the price?

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Face the Facts

Sold Down River

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4