The Tyne Rivers Trust voiced its strong support for the ‘Blueprint for Water’ launched today by the Association of Rivers Trust and partners at the House of Commons.

The Blueprint, produced jointly by WWF-UK, the Association of Rivers Trusts, RSPB, Wildlife Trusts, Salmon and Trout Association, Waterwise, The National Trust, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, FACT (Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust) and Anglers Conservation Association, sets out 10 steps necessary to achieve sustainable water by 2015.

Archie Ruggles-Brise, Project Manager for the Tyne Rivers Trust, said, “The steps outlined in the Blueprint are necessary and sensible for achieving a sustainable water environment where everyone has access to clean and safe water and the resource is carefully managed. It is great to see support for sensible water use and responsible disposal of waste, things that the Trust strongly advocates will through our River Watch programme and other initiatives set out in our Strategic Action Plan.”

“The Trust is well aware that the value of water extends beyond the uses people normally recognise, such as drinking and irrigation. Our rivers provide power, waste disposal, transport links as well as being one of our most valuable habitats for biodiversity in the North East. In this area things are already happening to encourage everyone to act responsibly in relation to water and the Blueprint will be invaluable in supporting new and existing initiatives.”

The Blueprint has been drawn up in response to European Water Framework Directive legislation committing the Government to ensuring that the ecology of our waters is restored to health by 2015. The ten steps are recommendations for how to meet this target. More information can be found at www.blueprintforwater.org.uk

The steps are:

  1. Waste less water
  2. Keep our rivers flowing and wetlands wet
  3. Price water fairly
  4. Make polluters pay
  5. Stop pollutants contaminating our water
  6. Keep sewage out of homes and rivers and off beaches
  7. Support water-friendly farming
  8. Clean up drainage from roads and buildings
  9. Restore rivers from source to sea
  10. Retain water on floodplains and wetlands

The partners are asking for people to write to their MP to support an early day motion containing the 10 steps. Visit www.blueprintforwater.org.uk to lend your support.

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