Water resources are an integral part of life on our planet. From supplying our homes with fresh, clean drinking water, to acting as a natural irrigation system, to supporting the habitats of plants and animals alike, there are many different causes for protecting our water resources.
With Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations and government environmental targets on the rise, good wetland management is needed now more than ever. At THRC, we provide quality wetland and woodland management to developers and businesses around the UK, and in this article we’ll discuss what these services are and how they help to preserve our water resources.
To find out more about how we can help, get in touch today!
How Wetland Management Can Help Protect Water Resources
What is Wetland Management?
Wetland management encompasses a broad range of activities involving wetland in the UK. This includes active maintenance and management, alongside the restoration or protection of existing wetland ecosystems.
With a focus on biodiversity, wetland management ensures our natural spaces can thrive while also upholding requirements for water quality and flood control. This, in turn, supports wildlife and local communities with better conditions and carbon storage for a greener planet.
Wetland management aims to balance ecological well-being with human needs, enabling agriculture and development without sacrificing our natural spaces. Individual services include:
• Habitat conservation
• Invasive species control
• Sustainable water use
• Runoff protection
• Proper waste disposal
For many stakeholders like developers, water companies, landowners, conservationists, and communities, wetland management is an integral part of maintaining an ecological balance and upholding your obligations. From legislation and organisations like Ofwat, the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and the Environment Act 2021, to your ongoing requirements for sustainable land use, there are many reasons why proper wetland management is a vital part of any project.
How are Water Resources Polluted by Development?
Water resources can be polluted in a number of different ways, and can be expensive and difficult to recover once contaminated – not to mention the ecological damage this can cause. Development and construction in general are some of the most environmentally impactful industries, so proper precautions are required to ensure the integrity of wetlands.
Water pollution sources include:
• Runoff from construction sites e.g. sediment, chemicals, debris
• Industrial waste e.g. heavy metals, oils, toxins
• Agricultural runoff e.g. pesticides, fertilisers, animal waste
• Sewage leaks contaminate water with bacteria and nutrients
For developers, preventing water resources from being polluted both during and after your work is a requirement by law. Proper development practices and working with a wetland management partner can help you uphold your obligations and ensure clean, fresh water for all.
The Importance of Preserving Water Sources
Now that you know where the issues can come from, the next step is to consider the impact of water pollution. Preserving water sources is vital due to several factors, which include:
Public Health. Clean water is essential for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene, while contaminated water can cause serious health issues including waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. Protecting water sources ensures communities have access to safe water, reducing healthcare costs and preventing outbreaks that could affect large populations, businesses, and public services.
Ecosystem Balance. Healthy water sources support diverse ecosystems with many varieties of indigenous flora and fauna. Pollution disrupts food chains, destroys habitats, and leads to biodiversity loss, so protecting water sources helps maintain ecological stability and ensures that wetlands and rivers continue to provide their natural benefits.
Regulatory Compliance. Developers, businesses, and landowners must follow UK environmental laws like the Environment Act 2021, and failure to comply can result in fines, legal action, and project delays. Proper water management ensures regulatory compliance, helps maintain your reputation, and prevents costly remediation efforts due to potential pollution.
Economic Benefits. Clean water is vital for industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and energy production. Protecting water sources supports sustainable economic growth, ensures long-term resource availability, and reduces financial risks linked to environmental degradation and regulatory non-compliance. In turn, showing you can uphold your environmental obligations will help you win more work in the future, leading to better finances for your business in the long run.
Climate Resilience. Water sources play a crucial role in climate adaptation by mitigating floods, storing carbon, and maintaining groundwater levels. Pollution can weaken these natural defences, making communities and habitats more vulnerable to droughts and extreme weather. Proper protection helps ensure resilience against climate change, safeguarding both human and environmental wellbeing.
With so many factors in play, there’s a lot of responsibility on developers to get things right. However, you’re not alone. Working with a reliable partner like The Habitat Restoration Co. can get your wetland preservation and management efforts up and running with ease, advising you on proper precautions while ensuring your regulatory requirements are met.
Protect Water Resources with Wetland Management from The Habitat Restoration Co.
Protecting water resources and engaging in proper wetland management starts by understanding the space you’re working in and the impact your activities can have. Now that you know the broad range of ways that wetlands are vital for communities and habitats – and the equally expansive ways they can be damaged – you’re in the best position to uphold your legal responsibilities and ensure project developments that are beneficial for all.
Working with a partner like The Habitat Restoration Co. is your ticket to better wetland management and proper water protection. We work to keep you in line with wetland regulations, providing maintenance, management, repair, and prevention services to keep your efforts in the clear. Get in touch to find out more!
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