Summary of England’s Rivers Needs Urgent Action To Protect Public Health and Wildlife:
Rivers are essential sources of water and biodiversity, but they are also susceptible to pollution from various human activities. This pollution can harm the health of people and wildlife and affect the availability and quality of water resources. One standard indicator of river pollution is the presence of fecal bacteria, which can cause diseases. To determine if a river is polluted and safe to enter, there are five methods you can use: check for storm overflows, observe the color and clarity of the water, look for sewage litter, examine signs of life in the river, and test the water for pollutants. Testing the water yourself or seeking professional testing can provide more accurate results, which can then be compared to relevant standards and guidelines for recreational water quality. If the water meets these standards or guidelines, it is likely safe to enter, but if it falls below them, it is likely unsafe.
Unveiling the Hidden World of England’s Rivers: Taking Urgent Action for Public Health and Wildlife
1. Pollution threatens the health of both humans and wildlife and the quality of water resources in England rivers.
2. Fecal bacteria, a standard indicator of river pollution, can lead to various liver diseases.
3. Before enjoying the waters, it is essential to check for storm overflows, assess water color and clarity, watch out for sewage litter, examine signs of life, and consider testing the water quality.
England’s rivers are not merely picturesque landscapes or sources of recreational activities; they are crucial ecosystems that support public health and wildlife. However, these rivers are facing significant challenges due to pollution caused by human activities. This article will delve into the unique and fascinating aspects of England’s rivers, highlighting the pressing need for urgent action to protect public health and wildlife.
1. Checking for Storm Overflows:
Storm overflows are structures designed to release excess water from sewers into rivers during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding. However, they can also introduce pollutants like fecal bacteria, nutrients, metals, and plastics into the water. You can use online tools such as the Environment Agency’s Water Quality Archive or the Rivers Trust’s interactive map to identify if storm overflows are near your river. Signing up for alerts from local water companies or river groups can notify you of activated storm overflows. It is recommended to avoid entering the water for at least 48 hours after heavy rain near a storm overflow, as this is when the risk of infection is highest.
2. Assessing Water Color and Clarity:
The color and clarity of the water can serve as significant indicators of river health. Clearwater generally implies good water quality and high dissolved oxygen levels essential for the survival of aquatic life. However, it is crucial to note that clear water does not guarantee safe water, as some pollutants, such as chemicals or viruses, may be invisible to the naked eye. On the other hand, turbid or cloudy water often signifies poor water quality and low dissolved oxygen levels, which can harm aquatic life. Turbidity can result from suspended particles like soil, algae, organic matter, or microplastics. Such particles can also increase the risk of infection by fecal bacteria, as they can attach to them and survive for extended periods.
3. Watching Out for Sewage Litter:
Plastic litter derived from sewage, including wet wipes and sanitary products, indicates the discharge of the sewer system into rivers. Apart from being harmful to wildlife, sewage litter suggests the presence of fecal bacteria and other pollutants in the water. Such litter can enter rivers through storm overflows, misconnected drains, illegal dumping, or careless disposal. To contribute to reducing sewage litter, it is essential to dispose of wet wipes and sanitary products properly in bins instead of flushing them down the toilet.
4. Examining Signs of Life:
The presence or absence of life within rivers can be a reliable indicator of their ecological health and pollution levels. Healthy rivers support diverse plants and animals that depend on clean and oxygen-rich water. In contrast, pollution may lead to habitat degradation, low oxygen levels, or toxic substances, resulting in fewer or no living organisms. To observe signs of life, you can examine the surface, banks, and bottom of the water. Surface water may show ripples, bubbles, or splashes caused by fish, insects, birds, or mammals. Floating plants like water lilies or duckweed also signify a healthy ecosystem. On the banks, look for vegetation like grasses, shrubs, and trees that provide shade and shelter for wildlife.
Additionally, watch for animals such as frogs, snails, or dragonflies that inhabit the areas near the water. Lastly, on the bottom, observe rocks, sand, or mud that serve as habitats and food sources for aquatic organisms. You may also find animals like worms, crustaceans, or mollusks that burrow or crawl on the substrate.
5. Testing Water Quality:
To ensure the safety of river water, the most reliable method is to test it yourself or seek professional testing. Conducting water tests helps reveal the presence and concentration of pollutants such as fecal bacteria, chemicals, metals, or toxins that may not be visible or noticeable otherwise. When testing the water, compare the results with relevant standards or guidelines for recreational water quality. For instance, the Environment Agency’s Bathing Water Directive establishes standards for fecal bacteria levels in designated bathing waters in England. The World Health Organization’s Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments provide recommendations for fecal bacteria levels and other parameters in freshwater environments. Similarly, the Blue Flag criteria set standards for fecal bacteria levels and other parameters in Blue Flag-certified beaches and marinas.
Conclusion:
England’s rivers are invaluable resources that provide water and recreational opportunities and support diverse ecosystems. However, pollution severely threatens public health and wildlife dependent on these rivers. By being vigilant and taking necessary precautions, such as checking for storm overflows, assessing water color and clarity, watching out for sewage litter, observing signs of life, and testing water quality, we can actively protect these vital ecosystems. Together, let us foster a healthy and thriving environment for the well-being of both humans and wildlife.
