SA 5 - Educate the public about the household and road runoff impacts on water quality
- Code
- SA 5
- Supporting action
- Educate the public about the household and road runoff impacts on water quality
- Description
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Household waste can have impacts on water quality alongside other pollution sources. Examples of household waste includes oil and fat and grease being washed down sink drains or flushing anything other than toilet paper down toilets. These contribute to blocking up sewage systems which can buildup and leak into rivers and contaminate water. Road runoff can also have large impacts on water quality due to oil, chemicals and tyre particle residue left on roads from vehicles, that can mix with the water and affect its quality. Increased education on how the public can support improvements in their households and roads, and reduce negative impacts on water quality will support wide-ranging benefits for Herefordshire’s freshwater habitats.
- Wider environmental benefits
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Improving water quality Reducing climate change impact Supporting health and cultural services Improving soil health
- Links to additional information and guidance
- Priority
- Freshwater habitats are safeguarded
- Priority description
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Herefordshire has many important freshwater habitats such as Pearl lake, Bodenham Lake, Titley Pool, and the Rivers Wye and Clun, which are both Special Areas of Conservation. Ice age ponds are also a significant feature of the county’s landscape, formed by glacial activity, The largest of these is Pearl Lake in Shobdon. They offer a range of freshwater habitats and support many of Herefordshire’s rarest species. Herefordshire is at risk of flooding with 8% of the county classed within an active floodplain. All rivers, water and wetland habitats are under threat, in particular from pollution from agricultural runoff and sewage discharges, resulting in several catchments failing key targets on ecological condition and chemical thresholds. Climate change has also resulted in low flows and high temperatures threatening river health, in particular the River Wye, due to its size. Herefordshire’s freshwater habitats provide vital homes for a variety of wildlife and also provide important benefits to society, for example through flood alleviation and recreational benefits.