In the first episode, Paul travels through the North of England looking at the impact water companies have on our rivers. He explores the change in the water industry since privatisation in 1989 and what regulations are in place when it comes to sewage discharge into our rivers.

Paul continues his journey to Wales and the South of England. Visiting the River Wye he sees how explosions of algae, caused by fertilizer run off from farming, are part of a cocktail overwhelming the habitat.