The recent warm weather has led to tens of thousands of fish dying in rivers and lakes - with officials racing to rescue many more.
The Environment Agency said that hot weather combined with low rainfall can produce fatal conditions for fish.
While heavy intense rain also leads to an increase in diffuse pollution due to pollutants being washed off roads, sent through sewerage systems and from agricultural land.
In July there were more than 15 separate incidents leading to nearly 50,000 fish deaths, however many more thousands were saved thanks to the swift action taken by Environment Agency teams and partners.
In Welney, Norfolk, the Environment Agency’s fast response to poor water quality prevented huge numbers of fish deaths.
Routine monitoring results showed a significant dip in dissolved oxygen levels in the river. Water aerating equipment was installed and teams treated the water daily to increase dissolved oxygen levels.
Geoff Bateman, head of fisheries and biodiversity at the Environment Agency, said: "Long periods of hot weather with low rainfall can be deadly for fish.
"The Environment Agency has a 24 hour Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 and we encourage anglers and people out enjoying rivers, canals and lakes to call if they see fish gasping for air.
"With the help of the public we can continue to react quickly and help protect wildlife.
"People at home can also play their part by using water wisely; the less people take from the tap means more for our rivers and the wildlife which they support."
Owners of ponds and fisheries are asked to keep a close eye on the situation during warm weather and be prepared to respond if fish are in distress. The tell-tale signs of fish in distress are fish gasping at the water’s surface or swimming on their sides or upside down.
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