Island Rivers is working to help tackle the impacts of phosphorus-rich wastewater on our rivers.
Coming from the food we eat and the cleaning products we use, the waste water from our homes and businesses is rich in the nutrient phosphorus. Where it can’t be removed during treatment, (many smaller wastewater treatment works, and all private systems like septic tanks, don’t have the capability), is it discharged into our environment. In the form phosphate, it plays havoc with the natural balance of our waterways, favouring nutrient-hungry algae over the native plants usually found in the Isle of Wight water-courses.
Households and businesses on mains drainage can also help to reduce their share of the impact, by limiting the amount of phosphate they contribute via domestic cleaning products – our leaflet highlights that while phosphate-free products can be readily purchased, some commonly-used cleaning products are nearly a third phosphate. We have found phosphate friendly Products at Shanklin Health Store. Tell us if you’ve made the switch to protect the Isle of Wight rivers on Facebook Twitter or on our feedback page
If you want to know more about phosphate pollution, read our FAQs