Following the recent Channel 4 programme Dirty Business, we recognise that members of the public and stakeholders may have questions about how BART works with water companies, including Wessex Water and Bristol Water.
We welcome those questions and believe transparency is essential.
Our Independence
BART is an independent environmental charity. We are not owned, directed, or controlled by any water company, regulator, or government body.
Our charitable objective is to restore and protect rivers in the Bristol Avon catchment for public benefit. All decisions taken by our Board of Trustees are made solely in pursuit of that objective.
Why We Work with Water Companies
Water companies are major landowners and infrastructure operators within our catchment. They have statutory responsibilities for wastewater treatment, drinking water supply, and environmental compliance.
To improve rivers at scale, collaboration across sectors is often necessary. We work with water companies where:
- There is clear environmental benefit
- Funding enables restoration that would not otherwise happen
- Projects align with our strategic priorities (climate resilience, biodiversity recovery, community engagement)
- Our independence and integrity are protected
Examples of collaboration may include:
- Natural flood management schemes
- Wetland creation
- Catchment-sensitive farming initiatives
- Community engagement and citizen science
- River restoration projects
These partnerships are focused on practical environmental improvement.
Maintaining Independence and Integrity
BART maintains strict governance safeguards:
- All funding agreements are formally approved by Trustees, who are accountable to the Charity Commission
- We retain control over project design and delivery standards
- We publish independent evidence and monitoring findings
- We will challenge partners, including water companies, where environmental standards are not met
Partnership working does not prevent BART from raising concerns, responding to consultations, or advocating for stronger environmental protections.
Our role is to improve rivers. That includes constructive collaboration, but it also includes evidence-based scrutiny.
Our Position on River Pollution
We share public concern about pollution incidents and the health of rivers across the UK. Strong regulation, transparency, and accountability are essential.
Where evidence indicates poor ecological condition, BART will continue to:
- Collect and publish independent data
- Support citizen science monitoring
- Advocate for improved water quality
- Work with all relevant bodies to secure measurable improvements
Our Commitment
Our priority remains the health of rivers in the Bristol Avon catchment.
We believe:
- Rivers recover fastest when multiple actors take responsibility
- Collaboration and accountability must go hand in hand
- Environmental charities must remain independent, transparent, and evidence-led
If anyone would like to discuss our partnership approach further, we are happy to do so.
