New year, new water management systems?

Ok, it might not be as catchy as some New Year’s resolutions, but by taking some small actions when it comes to water, you can make a big difference to the planet

It’s no secret that London is vulnerable to flooding. The city used to act like a sponge, with greenery soaking up rainwater. But increased building and paving now mean this rainwater runs into drains.

The problem is the drains in inner London collect both sewage and rainwater and are unable to cope with the volume. The water and sewage then overflows into rivers, along with the rainwater from roads, which picks up more pollutants.

So what can I do?

• Learn a little more about the problem. CPRE London believes it’s really important that the public understands the causes of river pollution. There is a wealth of information available but our article here is a good place to start. Also, please join our webinar on Thursday 23 January.

• Join the Outfall Safari. This is a scheme developed by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to survey London’s rivers for misconnected outfalls (when road drains, overflowing sewage pipes or misconnected appliances lead to polluted and untreated foul water flowing straight into our rivers). Citizen scientists are trained in how to score the pollution levels at all outfalls they come across. This is then reported to Thames Water and the Environment Agency so that it can be tackled. Without this survey, many polluting outfalls would still be unknown.  You can find out more here. Or join a safari with the South East Rivers Trust, here.

• Keep a look out for signs of pollution. These include cloudy or discoloured water, a smell of sewage, grey slimy growth of sewage fungus on the face of the outfall. Pollution can also include things such as oil or soap suds in the water, as well as distressed fish or wildlife. These things should be reported to the Environment Agency (on 0800  807060) and Thames Water, particularly for sewage (on 0800 316 9800). There is also an interactive Thames Water map and a very good overview of reporting on London Waterkeeper.

• Re-green your front garden. Paving over front gardens represents a huge loss of green space. In London, we are losing the equivalent of several parks every year. As well as contributing to the pollution of sewers, this also exacerbates raised local temperatures, the loss of nature, unattractive streets and an increased subsidence risk. De-paving and recreating a garden where possible, or adding greenery, planters and window boxes where it’s not, is a simple but powerful tool to help nature and the planet. Where parking is retained, you can park on green surfaces. You can find out more here.