Climate Action Silsden is taking part in a national environmental campaign to help protect our local rivers, streams and canals by marking road drains with ‘yellow fish’ symbols.
The bright yellow markers carry a simple but important message: Only rain down the drain.
It’s easy to assume that water disappearing down a road drain is taken away to a treatment works but that’s often not the case. Surface water drains are generally separate from the wastewater system, meaning pollutants washed into them can make their way into nearby rivers and streams within minutes without being treated first.
Common pollutants are:
- Oil from vehicles
- Leftover paint poured or washed away
- Car-washing detergents
- Garden chemicals and fertilisers
- Litter and cigarette ends
Each one might seem insignificant but they add up and the resulting pollution can reduce oxygen levels in the water, damage habitats, harm fish and aquatic insects, and contribute to the long-term build-up of contaminants in river sediments.
So next time you spot a yellow fish, remember – Only rain down the drain.
