The line chart illustrates the quality of river’s water in four different nations from 1990 to 2002.
Overall, it is evident that apart from Wales, rivers in the remaining nations became safer and cleaner over the period. In general, the quality of England rivers experienced the most noticeable changes among all categories.
Looking at the chart in detail, in 1990, almost all rivers in Wales considered good quality of water, at around 90%, followed by 70% of that of those in the Northern Ireland and 45% in England. The figure for Wales witnessed a slight increase to just under 100% during the following 8 years before decline gradually to 80% in 2002. Meanwhile, the percentage of high quality river in the Northern Ireland rose and surpassed the former country in 2000, taking the lead at over 90% by the end of the timeframe.
In terms of England, there was a moderate growth by 25% in the quality of river during the first 6-year period. Despite a plunge to 30% in two years later, it recovered and finished at 50%. Notably, Scotland consistently registered the worst quality of river with just above 20% at first and 40% by the end of the timeframe.