Angling Trust Warns of Phosphate Pollution from Leaking Lead Pipes

An Angling Trust article has shed light on the environmental damage and pollution caused by phosphates in tap water.

According to data gathered from the trust's Water Quality Monitoring Network (WQMN), 1,200 tonnes of phosphate are leaking from lead pipes into the environment.

25% of tap water is estimated to be lost in England due to leakage, leading to phosphorus pollution of our precious waterways. The WQMN found that 62% of the tap water samples collected had phosphate levels at the highest level of contamination.

Elevated nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus, can induce severe eutrophication and algal blooms, causing extensive damage to ecosystems. Eutrophication can lead to low oxygen levels and dead zones, killing almost all fish, plants, and aquatic life.

The Angling Trust is urging the removal of lead pipes nationwide, which typically use phosphate to prevent lead poisoning. It recommends improved regulation of leakages, clear targets for replacing lead pipes, and greater investment in their replacement.

Stakeholders such as the Angling Trust are working tirelessly to campaign for a lead-free water system; governmental stakeholders need to take note of the impact our current system is having on the environment, working with the Angling Trust and others to protect our aquatic life.

For more information, check out the full article on the Angling Trust website.