A nationwide rivers survey has found Rutland's waterways are among the most polluted in the country. 

The investigation by Fresh Water Watch, which involved thousands of volunteers across the UK collecting river water samples for testing, has found Rutland's waters are among the worst for pollutants in the country, sparking Rutland County Council's scrutiny committee to decide to write to the two water companies that service Rutland for answers. 

During the sampling in late April, which is the third citizen science nationwide event held by the environmental research group, 17 samples were taken across points in Rutland. 

During the 'water blitz' event the citizen scientists used standardised testing equipment provided by the organisation and partner organisation Imperial College London. 

A report has been published, which has found the river basins in the Anglian Water and Thames Valley area to be the most polluted in the UK, with 86% of measurements taken showing unacceptable levels of nutrient pollution. 

"Our findings for Rutland are a particularly stark reminder of a deeper, systemic crisis across the UK," said Sasha Woods, director of science and Policy at Earthwatch Europe, which is the parent organisation of Fresh Water Watch. 

"An alarming 94% of water samples collected in Rutland showed high levels of nitrate and phosphate pollution, making Rutland's rivers among the worst in the UK. This highlights the urgent need for action, especially when considering that across England, 74% of fresh-water sites tested exhibited unacceptable pollution levels.  

"Our rivers are suffocating under relentless pollution from sewage, agriculture, and urban runoff. Many parts of the UK are currently facing drought conditions, which will only make the problem worse. We have become disconnected from fresh-water and we need a national strategy and catchment-level delivery to protect this precious resource." 

The report had been shared to all Rutland councillors by independent councillor Nick Begy and was discussed at a recent scrutiny meeting. 

Cllr Lucy Stephenson (Con), who chaired the meeting, said the report was 'alarming'. 

She said: "As a local authority I don't think it is within our jurisdiction. However, I do think it is right I contact Anglian Water and Severn Trent to acknowledge this has been raised as a concern by councillors and if they could give us feedback to verify the data and what their data tells us. Because if there is a difference I would like to understand why, and most importantly what are they doing to deliver the promises of the Environment Act." 

Cllr Ray Payne (Lib Dem) said he was not prepared to take the report as it comes and wants to know more about the group and is taking the report currently 'with a very large pinch of salt'. 

Cllr David Welby (Con) said the water quality issue should be taken up by the scrutiny committee and investigated. 

The Environment Agency, which is part of the government, is the primary body responsible for testing river water quality. Water companies are obligated to follow the testing regimes set by regulators. 

A spokesperson for Anglian Water said: "Regarding water quality concerns, we share our customers' desire to make our waterways healthier and at Anglian Water we're committed to making that happen and pledge to ensure our operations will not be the reason for poor river health. 

"To bolster our commitment to protecting river health, we're investing over £1 billion into addressing sewage spills which will include increasing stormwater capacity at our water recycling sites and across our sewer network."