What’s the Problem?

 

Flooding and drought

Flooding occurs when rivers or canals burst their banks, and from runoff and standing water from impermeable surfaces. Sewer flooding is an issue in some areas, not only contributing to flooding issues but also water pollution. Water scarcity during dry periods is the often unrecognised consequence of similar causes of flooding, for example failure to infiltrate water into the ground to recharge aquifers.

Water pollution

Water pollution is unsightly and a risk to public health and wildlife. There are many watercourses, lakes and aquifers that require attention. This is often best achieved at a community “grassroots” level.

Water services

Ageing water and sewage infrastructure and costly water bills can often be solved more cheaply, safely and effectively with community based alternatives, such as reed-beds.

Energy and climate change

Green, zero carbon and sustainable energy solutions are probably best tackled within the growing movement of Transition Towns and Carbon Neutral communities, with a special focus on local water resources.

Wildlife

Alongside many water issues has been a gradual degradation and loss of habitats and biodiversity, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. Naturalistic solutions to water problems can be provided at benefit to biodiversity.

Agriculture

Lower cost, environmentally friendly alternatives to agro-chemicals do exist, such as Soil Microbe Enhanced Farming, which can also greatly benefit the water environment whilst reducing flooding and drought.