Invasive species challenges for the water sector

What’s going on?

Invasive non-native species (INNS) and related diseases are a growing problem worldwide. The spread of both is intensified by the movement of water.

By negatively impacting native species, INNS can change habitats and threaten whole ecosystems. By disrupting native ecosystems and wildlife, they create competition for food and habitat for native species.

They can quickly become dominant, challenging diversity, and the spread of disease can have a devastating effect. All of this can cause serious problems to the environment and economy.

In the UK – where non-native invasive mussels, crayfish, and plants pose a particular challenge – some water companies are playing a leading role in the battle against INNS, especially in water environments.

INNS cost the UK economy nearly £2 billion each year. [1]
It costs more than £1.3 billion to manage the INNS problem in England alone each year.
70% of England’s water bodies (all surface water categories) are at risk of deterioration due to INNS.
The water industry is investing over £8m a year to tackle the issue.

Get nature positive

Water companies can help address the INNS problem by fostering diversity in animal and plant species and tackling the INNS threat head-on through a variety of actions.

Inspired by those efforts, we’re suggesting some specific actions to help you on your journey to getting nature positive.

Actions for nature

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Carousel sources

[1] https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201919/cmselect/cmenvaud/88/8804.htm