Championing Our Water

But as with many of our natural resources this groundwater is under threat – from population pressures and as a side effect of modern farming and life styles. There is a delicate balance between meeting our own need for water against that of our wildlife even before adding the impact of pollutants.

Fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides used in farming, parks, golf courses and gardens can all find their way into the groundwater. Recent scandals have raised the profile of air pollution from cars but they are also one of the greatest contributors to water pollution. Particles of heavy metals from brake pads and tyres, and oil and fuel leaks create a cocktail of chemicals which washes from the road and eventually into the chalk.

But all is not lost. We asked Aimee Felus, Project Manager for the new Brighton Chalk Management Partnership (ChaMP) about work to improve and protect our water.

“There’s a great deal we can do,” says Aimee. “In rural areas nitrates are our biggest concern and we want to work with farmers and land managers to develop pilot projects tackling this. For example, in looking at how nutrients are applied, how manure is dealt with, planting cover crops to reduce run off and even planting new woodland in problem areas.