Abstraction and other artificial flow pressures
Abstraction is the removal of water from water courses for various purposes. It may be abstracted for a Hydro electric scheme or for drinking water. The River Hodder a major tributary of the Ribble is heavily abstracted for drinking water and includes a reservoir (Stocks Res.). The loss of water is an immediate loss of habitat for aquatic animals. For fish it also represents an increased difficulty in migration to spawning areas, making it a double impact. In hot summers where water is scarce it may result in a river running dry rather than low, such a complete loss of habitat affects all species
What can I do?
- Water is essential to humans every day activities from brushing your teeth to making a cup of tea or boiling potatoes. It is just as essential to wildlife. The most important thing to do is not to waste water, i.e. don’t use more water than you need.
- Did you know a shower uses less water than a Bath? Try not to shower longer than you need to.
- When brushing your teeth don’t leave the tap running.
- Flushing the toilet - If you have a large cistern try fitting a water saving device or Try the old adage “if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down”.
- Some older dishwashers use nearly 10 times as much water as washing by hand, if you have a newer dish washer they are much more efficient.
- Only put the washing machine on when you have a full load, as it uses the same amount of water full or half full.
- Fix any leaky taps or pipes in the house.
- If you collect your rain water from the roof, you can reduce pressure on sewage works, but you can also use this to water the garden, and wash the car. This is uses less water than a hose pipe, but is also a more efficient use of water.
- If you have a water metre fitted you will find that doing these things will also make your water bill significantly lower!