Water contamination threat posed by motorbikes

Off-road motorcyclists and mountain bikers are unwittingly polluting drinking water, a water company has said.

South East Water said mud from trails created on its land near Pembury in Kent is finding its way into a nearby reservoir.

The company is appealing for riders to stay away from the private land.

As well as polluting the water, it said machinery is also being damaged.

Biodiversity manager Richard Dyer said: "The disruption caused by the trail bikers is having an impact on the fragile woodland ecosystems by damaging ground flora and impacting on protected species such as dormice and nesting birds.

"It is also affecting raw water quality by leaving the ground bare allowing rain to wash soil particles and other contaminants off into the local springs and streams.

“The potential for an oil or fuel spill from a motorbike contaminating the springs and streams is particularly worrying.

"The water in the reservoir is natural spring water, so it is heartbreaking that it could be polluted in such a way."

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