Catchment Partnership

Even the best-maintained private systems don’t actively remove phosphate, so for those not on mains drainage, this can only be controlled by limiting inputs. Phosphates used in domestic cleaning products account for nearly a fifth of the phosphate in our waste water, and dishwasher detergents are a particular culprit with some containing over a third by weight of phosphate. Simply switching to phosphate free brands like Ecover, Planet Clean or Faith in Nature, can drastically reduce the amount of pollution in your waste water.

For those on private sewerage, ensuring that Septic Tanks or Package Treatment Plants are properly used and maintained, and frequently emptied, can protect the environment. Avoiding harsh chemicals, binning instead of flushing rubbish, and promptly fixing faults will enable tanks to work more effectively – following this ‘good practice’ advice will prevent pollutants getting into our local rivers and help householders to avoid costly repair bills. A clean house doesn’t have to mean a dirty river.

Please read these ten tips to find out how you can keep your systems in good order and avoid environmental pollution.

The leaflets are part of the New Forest Catchment Partnership’s Septic Tanks and Small Discharges Project. This project is being hosted across all Catchments in the South East. To find out what else is going on in your area please visit the Catchment Based Approach website to find your local Catchment Partnership.