Yellow Fish scheme aims to reduce pollution in watercourses

Silsden will feature in the next phase of the Yellow Fish programme.

Yorkshire Water and River Holme Connections have been piloting the scheme in the New Mill area of the Holme Valley.

The environmental awareness initiative sees Yellow Fish symbols installed next to surface water drains, as a reminder to people that any waste entering the drains goes directly to the nearest watercourse – including bathing waters.

As part of the pilot, 43 symbols were positioned alongside drains in the Holme Valley.

Emily Eden, river health investigation and engagement lead with Yorkshire Water, says: “Oils, detergents, paints and other harmful substances often make their way into rivers because many people don’t realise that surface water drains are frequently separate from the foul sewer system and don’t lead to a wastewater treatment site.

"The Yellow Fish discs are essentially a reminder for people that only rain goes down the drain, and a small ask that people dispose of things – from food and drink to household chemical products – in the proper way, so that we can all do a bit more to protect the environment.

“We’re also hopeful that the little symbols can start conversations and create awareness so that people have a better idea of what pollution looks like, and the confidence to report it to us and the Environment Agency so that we can investigate."

As the programme is rolled out, Yorkshire Water will work with councils and community groups in each area.

Kayleigh Szostak, river ranger at River Holme Connections, says: "It was great being able to launch the Yellow Fish project with some shiny new plaques – they are sure to catch people's attention next to surface water drains. The process of installing them was very straightforward, and we managed to mark 43 drains in only a short amount of time while enjoying a bit of spring sunshine. We are looking forward to hearing more about the impact these plaques have and hope the scheme will make people stop and think before putting anything down the drain."

Yorkshire Water says that in addition to the Yellow Fish venture, the company is investing in various measures to improve river health and bathing water quality – including a £1.5bn programme to reduce the use of storm overflows, and a £350m investment at 85 wastewater treatment sites.