Bristol Floating Harbour targeted in campaign to improve water quality

Protecting the beauty and water quality of Bristol’s Floating Harbour is to be targeted  in a new campaign launched this year, aiming to cut down the pollution leaking into the waters.

The Environment Agency and Bristol City Council will be visiting the 200 local businesses around the Floating Harbour’s quaysides to check drainage systems and the safe storage of possible pollutants.

Checks on waste disposal from all boats moored in the harbour is planned for later in the year.

Bristol City Council leader Barbara Janke, said: “The Floating Harbour is the jewel in the city’s crown and it’s important that we do everything we can to protect it.

“The harbour is home to over 500 boats, it plays host to a number of popular events and activities such as the Harbour Festival, and sustains a habitat supporting a variety of wildlife – indeed, otters were spotted last summer for the first time. By protecting and improving the harbour, we are creating an environment we can all enjoy and where wildlife can flourish in the heart of the city.”