ADAS addresses challenge of diffuse pollution to improve water quality

(22/01/2009)

Environmental consultancy ADAS is holding a national conference later this month to discuss the challenge of diffuse pollution.

Drawing representatives from water companies across the British Isles, and with speakers from regulators Defra, the Drinking Water Inspectorate and Ofwat, the aim of ‘Water Concerns’ is to investigate and discuss non-capital intensive measures for controlling diffuse pollution in order to improve water quality and deliver wider environmental benefits.

Top policy advisers from ADAS, some of the country’s most respected scientists in this area, will be discussing the techniques for identification that are currently available, along with practical mitigation methods that can be employed.

Speakers at the conference include Kevin Ridout, deputy head of quality enhancement at Ofwat; Chris Ryder, head of water quality at Defra; Claire McCamphill from Defra Water Quality Division and Claire Pollard, principal inspector at the DWI. Representatives from each of the water companies operating within the British Isles have been invited to the invitation-only conference which promises to be a showcase event for the industry.

Colin Reith, ADAS water sector manager, says: “By gathering representatives from all of the key players in the water industry, each with a direct interest in controlling diffuse pollution within catchments, we have a real chance to tackle the problem head on.

“Diffuse pollution remains a key issue that needs to be addressed if the country is to improve water quality and meet its obligations under the Water Framework Directive.”

Related categories:  Pollution control technologies   Waste water recycling   Water conservation and supply