Yellow fish have been stencilled onto the pavement next to storm drains in a new initiative highlighting the importance of protecting water quality and wildlife in the borough’s waterways.
Only Rain Down the Drain is aimed at raising awareness that nothing else should be poured down them, with the fish stencilled next to drains which lead surface water directly to rivers during periods of heavy rain.
Pouring oils, detergents, paint or sweeping litter into drains can be harmful to river health, water quality and wildlife.
In a pilot of the project, the council has initially identified storm drains near Oldfield Primary School in Maidenhead, which lead to The Cut. Yellow fish have been stencilled near drains in a section of Bray Road near the school, and will be stencilled near drains in Chalgrove Close soon.
Officers from the council’s Natural Environment team will be speaking to key stage two pupils at the school this week to highlight the wildlife in our waterways, explain the importance of not pouring anything down the drains, disposing of harmful pollutants properly and, in turn, protecting the borough’s watercourses. This is aimed at educating and raising awareness among young people, highlighting how simple steps can help protect the local environment and encouraging them to share and discuss this with the families. They have also been providing information to residents in the area about the project.
The paint used for the fish is industry standard road line marking paint, which will not run.
Paint brushes should be washed in the sink, not outside and local recycling centres often accept spare paint, along with oil and antifreeze. Debris and waste should be swept up, rather than hosed down the drain, while washing your car on a lawn or unpaved surface, or using a commercial car wash, will prevent chemicals from entering storm drains.
Councillor Karen Davies, Cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said: “This is a countrywide scheme, but this is the first time we have run it in the Royal Borough, and it aligns with our Biodiversity Action Plan targets. Waterways are dynamic, varied and invaluable wildlife habitats in the borough and it’s vital we do what we can to protect them.
“Stopping harmful chemicals and pollution from entering our waterways is a priority and this initiative is a simple, fun, and interactive way of raising awareness of keeping drains clear on any pollutants. This might seem obvious, but I hope that anyone thinking of pouring anything down the drain that could be harmful to wildlife will think twice and realise that there are plenty of other simple and easy options for them to dispose of these products.
“We’re signposting people to where these substances should be disposed of properly and I’m hoping we’ll be able to expand the project more widely to other locations in our borough in the future.”
To see the items that are accepted at the Stafferton Way Household Waste and Recycling Centre, visit https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/environment-and-waste/recycling-and-rubbish/recycling-point/stafferton-way-household-waste-and-recycling-centre-maidenhead
Advice and guidance for organisations and businesses can be found on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pollution-prevention-for-businesses