You might be thinking, what are non-native species?
Well, non-native species are anything that didn't evolve in the UK, including well-loved species such as rabbits and horse chestnuts. However, an invasive non-native species is something that can damage the economy or the environment.
We care about invasive non-native species because, in addition to providing 542 million litres of water every day, we also own or manage dozens of rare or protected habitats, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and nature reserves.
Working alongside partners such as Natural England, the Angling Trust, British Canoe and local wildlife trusts, we carefully manage watercourses, reservoirs and other company-owned sites to protect them from the harm that invasive species can cause.
What harm do they do?
An invasive non-native species is any living thing that has spread outside its native range and causes environmental and/or economic harm in its new environment.
They out-compete natural flora, sometimes smothering native plants that animals rely on for food. It’s not just harmful to the environment, invasive species can damage other wildlife, are costly to the economy and can even impact our health and way of life too.
They come in all shapes and sizes
Over 2,000 plants and animals have been introduced to Britain from all over the world. Species such as rhododendron, giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam are all invasive. Some of which we find and cut back at our sites to manage them.
Invasive species are often introduced into new areas by people. For example, many invasive plants and animals in the UK were deliberately brought here by the Victorians as ornamental species, which then escaped into the wild.
They can also arrive in new areas via the ballast water of oceangoing cargo ships, attached to ships' hulls, or on equipment.
Most are harmless, but around 10-15% spread and do damage, therefore becoming an invasive non-native species.
The big problem for water: Zebra Mussels
Zebra mussels are an invasive non-native species. They form in large colonies which can block pipes and other infrastructure. While zebra mussels are known to be in reservoirs such as Darwell and Bewl, they can also be found in raw-untreated water mains between these sites.
What are we doing about them?
Although the treatment process removes all traces of the zebra mussels, there is a risk that an unplanned release from the untreated water main, such as a leak or burst, could transfer zebra mussels to the environment. This could have a devastating impact on some area’s wildlife.
Not only do our Operational and Engineering Teams work closely to make sure that they have good biodiversity security protocols in place. We are also installing a new pipeline from Bewl Water Treatment Works to eliminate the need to transfer raw water between Bewl and Darwell.
How can you help?
When using water recreationally, it’s really important to have good biodiversity measures in place to make sure you are not transporting any invasive species from one site to another.
This follows our campaign to:
Check your boats, equipment, machinery clothing and footwear and pay attention to areas that are damp or hard to inspect.
Clean and wash everything thoroughly using hot water where possible. If you do come across any invasive species, please don’t worry, leave them at the water body where you found them.
Dry all of your equipment and clothing. Invasive species can live for many days in moist conditions. Make sure that you do not transfer any water elsewhere.
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