National
Press Office - 4-Apr-2008 - Drainage design
standards should be reviewed and guidance
developed for retrofitting water efficient
fixtures and fittings to ensure sewerage
systems can work with less water, says the
just-released Environment Agency report
‘Less Water To Waste’.
The joint investigation
by scientists and water experts examined
concerns that increasing water efficiency
in the home and office could result in bad
smells and flooding from blocked drains
and sewers.
Ian Barker, the Environment
Agency’s Head of Water Resources, said:
“We expect the widespread introduction of
water efficient fixtures and fittings, more
conservative water use and extensive metering
to lead to a significant fall in the nation’s
water demands. The Code for Sustainable
Homes - the sustainability rating system
for new housing in England - and the regulatory
level for water efficiency to be introduced
in the Building Regulations next year will
also reduce water use in new homes.
“We needed some good
quality research into what the impacts of
this might be. We were particularly interested
in assessing the impact of low-flow toilets
because reducing flush volume is the most
effective way of cutting demand. But, flushing
is vital for shifting sewage through the
system.”
The report concludes
that higher water efficiency standards are
unlikely to pose problems for most drains
and sewers. However, reducing toilet flushes
to very low volumes could be an issue in
a few existing buildings where drains serve
a small number of single-occupancy properties.
For new build, the study
recommends that drainage design standards
are reviewed to accommodate higher levels
of water efficiency. Smaller and fewer pipes
set at steeper gradients and new innovations
such as toilets that use air as well as
water during the flush, for instance, would
help to avoid blockages in highly water
efficient buildings, says the report.
In existing properties,
the study concludes that drainage layout
needs to be taken into account before deciding
whether replacing an old toilet with a new
low flush model is viable. It also recommends
further research to help find ways to tackle
drainage issues in existing buildings in
future.
Ian Barker added: “Our
towns and cities cannot function without
drains and sewers. But as rainfall becomes
less predictable as climate change bites,
we have to become more efficient with water.
Adapting our infrastructure to deal with
the knock on effects of that has to be a
national priority.
“This study found no
reported cases of blockages in existing
housing caused by water efficiency measures.
But it does show that there needs to be
further research. We look forward to discussing
the findings with the Government, water
companies and the wider water industry.
“
To read, download or
order a copy of the ‘Less Water To Waste’
report visit the link to the left or call
08708 506 506.
+ More
Elver stocks must be
protected from over fishing
Martin Watkins - 3-Apr-2008
- Two Haverfordwest men were reported last
month by Environment Agency Wales Enforcement
Officers for illegally fishing for elvers
(young eels) close to Bosherston Lakes,
Pembrokeshire, on National Trust land. Eel
fisheries are the most valuable commercial
fisheries in England and Wales, providing
significant benefits for the rural economy.
On 24 February 2008
Agency officers intercepted the two who
were fishing for elvers with dip nets near
the lake outfall on Broadhaven Beach. They
had the appropriate commercial elver fishing
licences but did not have the necessary
permission from the land owner. This is
a breach of the Theft Act and a contravention
of the conditions of an Environment Agency
fishing licence.
The men were also fishing
too close to the outlet of the lake, by
a weir. Local fishing byelaws state that
elver nets must not be used within 10 metres
of a river obstruction that hinders the
passage of the eels such as a tidal gate.
This is to protect the young eels from over-exploitation.
The site lies within
the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and
forms part of a National Nature Reserve.
This is partially due to its diverse biodiversity,
including otters, of which eels form a major
part of their diet.
The Agency is currently
considering the most appropriate form of
action to take.
Steve Williams, Senior
Environmental Crime Officer, Environment
Agency Wales said:
“There are many concerns
regarding the status of eel stocks, both
in the UK and Europe. In Wales the elvering
season runs from January to 25 June. There
are around 100 fishermen. Prices of elvers
can vary dramatically from year to year,
but currently can be over £250 per
kilogram.
“In the late 1980’s
a licensing system was introduced to help
conserve eel stocks and make sure that elvers
weren’t over-exploited by what was becoming
a multi-million pound global industry. We
are striving to ensure that the illegal
taking of elvers is not allowed to happen.”
