A GROUP of Bromsgrove residents have received training on how to test their waterways for pollution.
The 24-strong group joined staff from Waterside Care at Bromsgrove’s Battlefield Brook, where they discovered a pollution incident following a diesel spill on the M5. The Environment Agency responded before training had finished.
Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (WWT) water and wetlands officer Lucy Wood said trainees would start monitoring their chosen stretch of the brook again this month.
She said: “The project will be installing sustainable drainage systems and porous surfaces, improving bank side vegetation and more.
“It would be great if all Bromsgrove residents ensure household items like washing machines are not misconnected and they think about what the put down the sink and road drains.”
The project is also working with a number of local schools to help spread the word to create rain gardens for soaking rainwater through soils instead of running off concrete into drains.
The training is part of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Love Your River project, funded by the EA and supported by Waterside Care.
Lucy said early identification of pollution incidents ‘could ultimately save millions of pounds on people’s water bills’
To report a pollution incident call the Environment Agency pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60, visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk or email lucy@worcestershirewildlifetrust to get involved.