Panorama on Monday night "Drinking Our Rivers Dry" and investigation by Simon Boazman, was very disappointing.
Little mention was given to how WE can reduce our consumption of potable water. At present we use vast amounts of clean, drinking water simply flushing our toilets, washing our cars and watering our gardens.
Water collected from our roofs, 'Rainwater Harvesting', can reduce the consumption in most households by 50-80%. It is crazy that we flush our toilets with water that is fit to drink!
The Government should legislate and all new builds should be fitted with rainwater harvesting systems (RWH). Anyone considering a house renovation or internal upgrade should be granted money by the water companies or Government to install this simple technology.
In countries that are traditionally short of water such as Australia most people have always collected and stored their roof water.
Find out more about Rainwater Harvesting Systems here
John Cornick BSc (Hons) Env Biol AMSB
Ecoteric Systems Ltd
Technical Director
Monday, 26 September 2011
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
River Pollution
As a local company, Ecoteric are interested in this particular problem, and from time to time analyse water samples in and around the harbour, and feel that more could be done by individuals and organisations taking responsibility for their activities.
The picturesque River Lavant is adding to Chichester Harbour’s pollution problems, tests have revealed.
The findings coincide with continuing calls to curb development in the area until the problems have been resolved.
Chichester Harbour Conservancy was told at its annual meeting the Environment Agency had collected regular samples of storm discharge from Southern Water’s Apuldram waste water treatment works into the harbour. And results had shown pollution levels were having an adverse effect.
Water quality testing of the River Lavant, which entered the harbour at Apuldram, was undertaken at the same time and showed lesser but still significant amounts of pollution were also entering the harbour from that source, a conservancy report added.
Conservancy members were told 19 per cent of harbour pollution was reported to come from the Apuldram works, 21 per cent from rivers – mainly the Lavant – and 60 per cent from background levels in the wider Solent or other sources in the harbour, including seabirds.
Harbourmaster Richard Craven said the Environment Agency had deduced from the test results there was an adverse impact on the harbour.
The effects needed to be mitigated, but the agency had not yet got on to what the mitigation would be. Mr Craven said biological effects on shellfish had not yet been looked at.
“This is still ongoing, and the agency is very focused on it,” he added. When results relating to shellfish were available, the agency would then be able to update its development statement.
The River Lavant samples had shown higher-than-expected levels of pollution.
Mr Craven said in a report the idea of a memorandum of understanding between the agency, the conservancy and the county and district councils was being investigated, as a tool to respond to development.
“There is a growing consensus that if water quality is not meeting the standards required by the harbour designations, increases in development will only make matters worse, and the precautionary principle should be adopted,” he added.
The agency’s current response to development always had one eye on possible appeals by developers, which weakened the strength of its advice.
A memorandum might enable the agency to be more robust, and if necessary potentially call a halt to development until problems with the sewage were resolved.
Conservancy chairman Tim Knight said it seemed odd that with all the legislation, and all that was being asked for to improve water quality, there were still these problems.
The picturesque River Lavant is adding to Chichester Harbour’s pollution problems, tests have revealed.
The findings coincide with continuing calls to curb development in the area until the problems have been resolved.
Chichester Harbour Conservancy was told at its annual meeting the Environment Agency had collected regular samples of storm discharge from Southern Water’s Apuldram waste water treatment works into the harbour. And results had shown pollution levels were having an adverse effect.
Water quality testing of the River Lavant, which entered the harbour at Apuldram, was undertaken at the same time and showed lesser but still significant amounts of pollution were also entering the harbour from that source, a conservancy report added.
Conservancy members were told 19 per cent of harbour pollution was reported to come from the Apuldram works, 21 per cent from rivers – mainly the Lavant – and 60 per cent from background levels in the wider Solent or other sources in the harbour, including seabirds.
Harbourmaster Richard Craven said the Environment Agency had deduced from the test results there was an adverse impact on the harbour.
The effects needed to be mitigated, but the agency had not yet got on to what the mitigation would be. Mr Craven said biological effects on shellfish had not yet been looked at.
“This is still ongoing, and the agency is very focused on it,” he added. When results relating to shellfish were available, the agency would then be able to update its development statement.
The River Lavant samples had shown higher-than-expected levels of pollution.
Mr Craven said in a report the idea of a memorandum of understanding between the agency, the conservancy and the county and district councils was being investigated, as a tool to respond to development.
“There is a growing consensus that if water quality is not meeting the standards required by the harbour designations, increases in development will only make matters worse, and the precautionary principle should be adopted,” he added.
The agency’s current response to development always had one eye on possible appeals by developers, which weakened the strength of its advice.
A memorandum might enable the agency to be more robust, and if necessary potentially call a halt to development until problems with the sewage were resolved.
Conservancy chairman Tim Knight said it seemed odd that with all the legislation, and all that was being asked for to improve water quality, there were still these problems.
Saturday, 18 June 2011
How Much Water Do We EAT ?
A leading study has revealed FARMERS could soon be facing a major water shortage that could leave the country unable to grow enough food to feed a growing population, leading hydrologists have warned.
With food security now high on the political agenda, experts have warned water shortages could become a major limiting factor in efforts to boost production.
The stark warnings came as the Environment Agency (EA) published a new plan to tackle future water shortages, warning demand for water could increase by 25 per cent by 2020
Here are some stark figures that may come as a surprise.
WATER is used in almost every stage of food production, from growing crops to feed animals to washing and preparing products. Researchers at Cranfield University have calculated just how much water is used to produce many common foods:
• Cup of tea – 32.4 litres
• Pint of beer – 160 litres
• 1 glass of wine – 120 litres
• 1 glass of milk – 200 litres
• 1kg of beef – 15,000 litres
• 1kg poultry – 6,000 litres
• 250g packet of peanut M&Ms – 1,153 litres
• 575g Dolmio pasta sauce – 202 litres
As Environmental Consultants, Ecoteric Systems provide solutions relating to all aspects of waste water handling, recycling, sewage treatment, water purification, package sewage plants, waste water treatment as well as gravel bed hydroponics, reed beds, natural filtration and constructed wetlands.
Our systems will maximise your water conservation through recycling and purification, saving you money , ensuring that you keep within legislative boundaries, and enhancing your company's reputation and image in the community and the marketplace.
Read the full article here
http://www.farmersguardian.com/experts-warn-of-major-uk-water-shortage/24284.article
With food security now high on the political agenda, experts have warned water shortages could become a major limiting factor in efforts to boost production.
Here are some stark figures that may come as a surprise.
WATER is used in almost every stage of food production, from growing crops to feed animals to washing and preparing products. Researchers at Cranfield University have calculated just how much water is used to produce many common foods:
• Cup of tea – 32.4 litres
• Pint of beer – 160 litres
• 1 glass of wine – 120 litres
• 1 glass of milk – 200 litres
• 1kg of beef – 15,000 litres
• 1kg poultry – 6,000 litres
• 250g packet of peanut M&Ms – 1,153 litres
• 575g Dolmio pasta sauce – 202 litres
As Environmental Consultants, Ecoteric Systems provide solutions relating to all aspects of waste water handling, recycling, sewage treatment, water purification, package sewage plants, waste water treatment as well as gravel bed hydroponics, reed beds, natural filtration and constructed wetlands.
Our systems will maximise your water conservation through recycling and purification, saving you money , ensuring that you keep within legislative boundaries, and enhancing your company's reputation and image in the community and the marketplace.
Read the full article here
http://www.farmersguardian.com/experts-warn-of-major-uk-water-shortage/24284.article
Friday, 17 June 2011
Brighton MP Supports Ecoteric's Plans
Ecoteric Systems have secured a project to design and install a rain harvesting system for a Methodist Church in Brighton. Stanford Avenue Methodist Church is Brighton's first Eco Church - setting a precedent and good example. The project has the support of Brighton Green party MP Caroline Lucas.
The church, which is approximately 100 years old and sits in a conservation area, is used by many local community groups, e.g. scouts, girls brigade, Montessori School, Luncheon Club, drama groups etc.
The church has adopted an eco ethos conceived by the Superintendent Minister, Lin Francis
The church has adopted an eco ethos conceived by the Superintendent Minister, Lin Francis
Ecoteric Systems are also assisting assisting the church with finding grant finance
Rainwater will be harvested by a 350m2 area of the Western half of the church roof. It has been calculated that this area, with average rainfall will provide between 50% - 80% of the total water usage through toilet flushing on an 18-21 day cycle. The rainwater will be stored underground, in a bespoke 10,000 litre tank. The design (see picture) of the rainwater harvesting system has been influenced by the church structure, topography, paths, walls, access and internal plumbing.
The supply of rainwater to the toilets will be via storage tanks situated in the roof space identified during the survey. This will provide approximately 50 flushes. When rainwater is not available these tanks are topped-up
by the mains water. The auxiliary tank has a fail-safe overflow to the main sewer in the event of a power cut.
A connection to the main sewer will provide an outlet for overflow rainwater from the below ground storage tank.
Once installed the Rainwater Harvesting System requires little maintenance and Ecoteric Systems Limited will provide technical backup should it be required.
As Environmental Consultants, we provide solutions relating to all aspects of waste water handling, recycling, sewage treatment, water purification, package sewage plants, waste water treatment as well as gravel bed hydroponics, reed beds, natural filtration and constructed wetlands
Our systems will maximise your water conservation through recycling and purification, saving you money , ensuring that you keep within legislative boundaries, and enhancing your company's reputation and image in the community and the marketplace.
Please call us 0845 1303 891 or email eco@ecotericsystems.co.uk for more information
Monday, 11 April 2011
Constructed Wetland Association - 7th Annual Conference
John Cornick and Richard Elliot-Martin of Ecoteric Systems Ltd will be presenting on the second day of the Constructed Wetland Association 7th Annual Conference (organised by Aqua Enviro) which takes place at The National Coal Mining Museum, Wakefield on 13th and 14th July 2011.
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| Wetlands at the NCM Museum, Wakefield |
Constructed wetlands continue to be a popular choice for a range of applications and take-up of the technology across Europe and other parts of the world is now quite extensive.
As a result our experience of their design, operation and capabilities continues to grow.
When specified appropriately, a well designed constructed wetland offers a robust and reliable process option with minimal energy requirements. There are a number of legislative changes in the pipeline that will further add to the attractions of constructed wetlands including concerns over the spill frequencies of intermittent discharges, minewater drainage and further applications of the Water Framework Directive. The resulting requirements to meet tighter standards must be delivered against a background of reducing carbon emissions across the whole water industry.
This conference aims to share and promote best practice in the many applications for constructed wetlands in both the domestic and industrial sectors.
As part of the conference delegates will be taken on a tour of a treatment wetland onsite which was designed to treat minewater.
Delegates will also have the opportunity to go on an underground tour of one of Britain's oldest working mines. The tour is free of charge, to ensure a place please select the relevant box when registering.
For more information visit the conference site at http://www.constructedwetland.co.uk/events/conference_2011/
Or download the brochure here http://www.aquaenviro.com/images/stories/aett/conferencebrochures/cwa%20brochure%202011.pdf
Ecoteric Systems Ltd are environmental and water management consultants. As water management consultants, we design, construct , monitor and maintain bespoke natural filtration systems, sewage treatment and treatment/purification systems. As our climate becomes drier and warmer, so the need to call on efficient, ecological purification systems (such as gravel bed hydroponics) grows at a rapid pace.
Monday, 28 February 2011
Filth Pours Into The Sea
RAW SEWAGE has flowed into Langstone Harbour at least 11 times because of a fault at a Southern Water pumping station, The Portsmouth News can reveal.
Now the company could be prosecuted for failing to stop the pollution over the past six months.
Read the full story by Portsmouth News reporter, Jeff Travis here,
http://www.haylingtoday.co.uk/news/local/water_firm_faces_fine_after_sewage_spills_into_harbour_1_2438861
Ecoteric Systems Ltd are environmental and water management consultants. As water management consultants, we design, construct , monitor and maintain bespoke natural filtration systems, sewage treatment and treatment/purification systems.
Now the company could be prosecuted for failing to stop the pollution over the past six months.
Read the full story by Portsmouth News reporter, Jeff Travis here,
http://www.haylingtoday.co.uk/news/local/water_firm_faces_fine_after_sewage_spills_into_harbour_1_2438861
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| 20/2/12 PM Eastney sewage outfall, close to the pier Picture: Paul Jacobs (110641-7) |
Thursday, 3 February 2011
Keeping the Harbour Clean
Ecoteric Sytems are instrumental in the environmental welfare of one of the Uk's most important eco sites.
Maintained by Ecoteric Systems Ltd for Chichester Harbour Conservancy; the domestic reedbed sewage treatment system at Cobnor is the only one that exists in the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at present.
The bed is in its early stages of development. All grey and sewage water will pass through a septic tank, where solids settle. The liquid then continues to flow through vertical reed beds and then through a horizontal reedbed swamp.
The clean water may then be safely discharged into the harbour.
To learn more about Reeds and the Cobnor Sewage Plant, use the link below to access the article
http://www.conservancy.co.uk/uploads/user_documents/reedguide.pdf
Maintained by Ecoteric Systems Ltd for Chichester Harbour Conservancy; the domestic reedbed sewage treatment system at Cobnor is the only one that exists in the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at present.
The bed is in its early stages of development. All grey and sewage water will pass through a septic tank, where solids settle. The liquid then continues to flow through vertical reed beds and then through a horizontal reedbed swamp.
The clean water may then be safely discharged into the harbour.
To learn more about Reeds and the Cobnor Sewage Plant, use the link below to access the article
http://www.conservancy.co.uk/uploads/user_documents/reedguide.pdf
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Getting to Grips with the Science inside the Reed Bed
Nitrogen is critical to organisms for the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids and many other nitrogen containing compounds. The earth's atmosphere consists of 78% molecular nitrogen gas (N2), but it cannot be used by most living organisms until it has been fixed; that is reduced to ammonia (NH3).
The inability of most living organisms to utilize molecular nitrogen results in a high demand for already fixed forms of this essential element. Ecological systems are therefore, to a great extent, adapted to the recycling of the more reactive nitrogenous compounds and a shortage of nitrogen in the soil is often the major limiting factor in plant growth. The process by which this limited amount of nitrogen is circulated and re-circulated throughout the world of living organism is known as the nitrogen cycle.
Sewage treatment within constructed wetlands, represent aquatic ecosystems where the physicochemical conditions and resources (nutrients) define the niche. The solid phases in contact with the aquatic system, represented in this case by the roots of Phragmitis australis and the gravel medium, act as important sites of microbial activity.
Nutrients flow into the system in the form of sewage. Decomposing microorganisms extract energy from these compounds during metabolic processes breaking down organic matter into the inorganic constituents, carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus. The process, called mineralization, releases ammonium ions.
Nitrification involves the oxidation of nitrogen, from ammonia to nitrite, then from nitrite to nitrate. This process is carried out by specialized autotrophic bacteria such as Nitrosomonas.
The conversion of nitrate to gaseous forms of nitrogen is called denitrification. It occurs in anaerobic conditions in swamps and marshes. In wastewater treatment denitrification is very important as it removes nitrate from acquatic environments and thus prevents eutrophication.
Results and Discussion
Overall results indicate that the population sizes, and therefore total rate of nitrogen transforming processes, in biofilms attached to Phragmites rhizomes, were higher than those found in both the gravel and thermanox cover slip. This relates, firstly to the physicochemical conditions encountered on the respective surfaces, the root surface potentially offering the most heterogeneous environment of the three substrates, and secondly, to air diffusion, via the aerenchyma, and root exudation, stimulating the activity of nitrogen transforming bacteria in the rhizosphere.
Nitrification, an oxygen demanding process, is greater in environments where the level of dissolved oxygen is highest. This reaction is also temperature dependant, the higher temperatures stimulating activity or increasing bacterial populations. Physicochemical variations within biofilm lead to greater overall interactions between metabolically related bacteria, for example, the syntrophic relationship between Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. The decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms can be monitored by way of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), which is the amount of dissolved oxygen (in mg/dm3 water) that disappears from a water sample in a given time at a certain temperature. This is often used as an index of organic pollution, especially sewage.
Extract taken from J D Cornick BSc (Hons) Environmental Biology paper -
www.ecotericsystems.co.uk
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