An agreement between water companies and Network Rail now protects more than 600 vulnerable drinking water sources from herbicides that, if they reached the water, would require removal using “expensive and energy-intensive” treatment processes.
Thames Water said it was one of the first water companies to work with Network Rail’s predecessors to ensure the chemicals used to prevent over growing plants and weeds did not pollute waterways, which often run parallel to rail lines.
An “environmentally-friendly” herbicide now keeps tracks and taps flowing up and down the country thanks to the partnership.
The project was first launched in London and the Thames Valley in the 1990s, but since then has expanded to create an agreement for the benefit of all water companies across England and Wales.
Dr Dinah Hillier, a Thames Water scientific services manager, said: “We’ve worked closely with Network Rail to influence the types of herbicides they use and how they’re applied so they are less likely to contaminate water, and we’re delighted with the results.
“It’s imperative whatever is used to kill the weeds doesn’t disrupt rail passengers or impact water quality, particularly where they are used as drinking water sources.
“We’re proud custodians of the environment and are always looking for more ways to protect and enhance it, and this is a great example of how working collaboratively with other industries can make a big difference.”
Dr Hillier represents Water UK, the industry body, on the railways initiative, which in 2016 was turned into a memorandum of understanding between Network Rail, Water UK, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.
She added: “The spray train team are really committed to this agreement and understand the important role they have in helping to protect water, before it goes through our treatment process and out of taps at home. It’s great to see how Network Rail has become guardians of all our water sources too.”
Rossa Donovan, head of environment and sustainability at Network Rail, said: “Management of plant growth across the whole of our 50,000 hectare estate is essential to make sure that activities like inspections can be undertaken safely.
“This agreement enables us to demonstrate a commitment to using herbicides responsibly and has been a key part in our justification for the continued, and safe, use of chemicals on the network.”
As part of its plans for 2020-25, Thames Water said it has dedicated an additional £1.1 billion for activities to protect and enhance the environment, including a multi-pronged smarter water catchments initiative, an 18 per cent reduction in pollutions and a commitment to generate enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 115,000 homes.
But the company is required to resubmit its business plan to Ofwat in April after it was placed in the “significant scrutiny” category when the regulator published its initial assessment for PR19 business plans.
Last year, Network Rail appointed Business Stream as its water retailer to manage water and wastewater services across all its sites.