Hosepipe Bans and ‘Killer Shrimp’

Last year British Rowing was involved in the launch of Defra’s ‘Check Clean Dry’ campaign which urges all water users to take some simple steps to help prevent the spread of invasive non-native species between rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

Alan Meegan, British Rowing’s Facilities Consultant, advises that rowing boats should be washed down at the water’s edge immediately following disembarkation, ensuring that all bung holes are closed, using the water from the lake or water course, and ensuring as far as possible that the water returns to the water course. 

If clean water is required during a water shortage or hosepipe ban, a bucket should be used instead of a hose pipe.  

The boats should be dried thoroughly with dry cloths before transportation on a boat trailer or car top.   It is particularly important that all equipment is dry before transporting boats to events as some species can survive for several days in damp conditions.

Seven water companies in the south and south east of England have announced they will enforce a hosepipe ban from 5th April, 2012: Anglian Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water,  Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East.

The ‘Killer Shrimp’ – which only grows to a maximum of 30mm long – poses no threat to the public or pets, but event organisers and competing rowing clubs should be aware of the Check, Clean, Dry procedure, as well as regularly checking www.nonnativespecies.org for further updates.