Reducing river risk

22/11/2004

Three agencies are working together to protect and improve one of Northumberland’s most special rivers.

Northumbrian Water, the Environment Agency and ADAS are running an awareness and education programme to reduce the risk of pesticides entering the River Coquet in Northumberland.

Research shows that most pesticide users in the Coquet’s catchment are not aware of the river’s water quality issues and what they can do to to help reduce the risk of pesticides entering the watercourse.

Tourism and recreation are a vital part of the Northumbrian economy and are dependent on the proctection of the environment, including key habitats such as the Coquet.  The river is of high conservation and ecological value and is also one of the best known migratory fisheries in Northern England.

Reduced pesticides in the river will also protect drinking water which is taken from the Coquet for treatment before being supplied to customers.

Pesticide users are being sent a fact-sheet (attached) giving advice on minimising the risk of pesticides entering the river Coquet and its many tributaries.  The advice includes basic guidelines, for example, avoiding the application of pesticides prior to rainfall or in very wet conditions.

Local authorities, farmers, amenity users, contractors and agronomists have also been invited to attend open days at Northumbrian Water’s Warkworth Water Treatment Works, hosted by representatives from the water company, Environment Agency and ADAS.

For further information contact Cara Hall, Northumbrian Water, on 0191 301 6720, Jonathan Hillman, ADAS, on 01623 844 331 or Louise Turner, Environment Agency, on 0113 231 2469.