Western Sussex Rivers Trust (WSRT) reposted this
⚠️ Chemicals: The silent killer in our waterways. A recent investigation by Watershed and The Guardian has uncovered a shocking reality: nearly 500 chemicals, some banned, are present in all 171 river and groundwater catchments tested in England in 2024. 🐟 Over half of these chemicals are harmful to aquatic life, including a banned carcinogenic "forever chemical" and all three banned neonicotinoid pesticides. Entering our waterways from road and farm runoff, sewage works, and even our own washing, chemicals pose a substantial threat to our delicate aquatic ecosystems. Dr Rob Collins, Director of Policy and Science at The Rivers Trust, emphasises the severity of the situation: "As this study confirms, the extent of chemical pollution of our waterways is staggering, impacting upon aquatic life and raising implications for human health. It is imperative that we see a robust chemicals strategy from the government as a matter of urgency, where tackling chemical pollution at source is prioritised". Learn more about the investigation in The Guardian's article 👇 https://lnkd.in/e65DTjwf
The regulators need to be given their powers back and supported by the government and public.
Open request to the South African Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS): Please conduct an equivalent test on just 10 rivers, 10 wetlands and 10 groundwater catchments, selected entirely at random. The beneficiaries of the South African Public Trust in Water, ie all the citizens of South Africa, need to know this information!
I agree however, we are experiencing problems with the invasive floating pennywort that has spread to the River Weaver, we need a new government plan for both sewage & invasive species which are destroying our waterways
There needs to be much more urgency from Government, regulators, manufacturers, farmers and Water Companies to change this. There is no doubt we are poisoning our environment, all acquatic life and ourselves.
Kate Bromfield FYI
Sustainability and Environmental Services
2moAbi Croutear-Foy I imagine you e already seen this? Have you connected with The Rivers Trust?