New protection for the Island’s waterways

The public is being consulted over the Government’s plans to improve the Island’s waterways.

The proposed new Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) would bring the Island in line with the UK and protect its waterways for both people and wildlife.

Water quality can be affected by many factors including agricultural run-off, domestic sewage and heavy metals from historic mining activity.

Upland streams need protection because they feed reservoirs for drinking water, rivers support fish and other wildlife, meanwhile coastal waters are important for fisheries and for swimming.  

High levels of pollutants can threaten each of these delicate ecosystems.

The three month consultation invites views on the introduction of new standards and what they mean for the environmental protection of the Island’s valuable but sensitive watercourses.

Any suspected pollution incidents can be reported to the Isle of Man Government by contacting the Environmental Protection Unit on 685885 or email environmentalprotection@gov.im