Invasive non-native species (INNS) are plants and animals that cause damage to our natural ecosystems and pose a threat to our water bodies. This week is Invasive Non-Native Species Week, an opportunity to raise awareness of these plants and animals, their impacts, and the simple things that everyone can do to help prevent their spread.

Most are harmless, but around 10-15% that become INNS, are introduced into the UK by human activity, and can have a harmful impact on the environment, economy or human health.

Each year, it costs the water industry £7.5 million to manage and control these species. For instance, the spread of zebra and quagga mussels, are a growing concern as they can damage and block pipework, putting a strain on our water resources.

What are we doing to tackle INNS?As part of our Water Industry Environment Programme (WINEP), referred to in our Water Resources Management Plan and 2025-2030 business plan, we are implementing management and monitoring programmes across Cambridge and South Staffs to control the spread of invasive non-native species, which can harm our native British habitats. 

This includes monitoring Blithfield Reservoir, which provides up to 100 million litres of water each day to more than half a million houses and businesses in parts of the Black Country, East and South Staffordshire and South Derbyshire.

On site, we have our Estates team who actively manage several invasive species including: Himalayan balsam, zebra mussels and American signal crayfish.

Alongside this, we will deliver training to our Operational teams, looking at the identification of INNS - such as Himalayan balsam, zebra mussels and American signal crayfish - and biosecurity best practice.

Check, Clean, Dry

INNS pose a risk to our enjoyment of nature, particularly our water bodies.

For this reason, we have biosecurity measures in place at our sites including the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ protocol, to help stop the spread of INNS.

Invasive species are easily spread by damp equipment and clothing, so for anyone visiting a water body for angling or sailing, we always encourage ‘Check, Clean, Dry,’ simply follow the steps below, and you'll be doing your part in helping the environment.

• Check your equipment and clothing after leaving the water for mud and any aquatic plants or animals, removing anything you find and leaving it at the site.
• Clean equipment and clothing as soon as possible and before leaving the site, using hot water if possible.
• Dry everything off for as long as you can before using again as some invasive species can survive for over two weeks in damp conditions.

INNS at home

Not only do invasive species pose a threat to our water bodies, but they can also pose a threat to our homes too.

Some of the plants in your garden or pond can become invasive non-native species if they spread beyond your garden border, and these can cause harm to native wildlife.

By using the online ‘Be Plant Wise’ tool, you can choose the right plants for your garden. These won’t harm native species, and you can learn how to dispose of your garden waste responsibly.

To find out more about invasive non-native species, click here.