The future of the Loddon is threatened by levels of phosphates that far exceed legal levels and which have the potential to cause long lasting damage to our environment, that could continue beyond our generation if action isn't taken now.

Basingstoke residents can play their part by taking some simple steps.

Much of the pollution in the River Loddon comes from phosphates, which are found in the detergents we use in our washing machines and dishwashers. Using phosphate-free detergents in washing machines and dishwashers can make a real and lasting difference.  

Maria said: “We can all do our bit to help to reduce pollution in the River now and protect our environment by using phosphate-free detergents. There are plenty of big brands already available in local supermarkets that are phosphate-free. Check the labels when you shop.”

Maria added: “With lower water levels in the river due to the ongoing drought, it is all the more urgent that we try to reduce the amount of pollution.  Of course, detergent is not the only culprit, but it is one that all of us can play our part in combatting.”

A campaign to reduce phosphate levels in Lake Bassenthwaite, in the Lake District, which started up in 2001 was extremely successful – with phosphate levels falling by 59% over a ten year period.

Maria has recently been working with a number of environmental and biodiversity groups in Basingstoke to look at ways to tackle issues that are damaging to the environment, including reducing phosphates to clean up the Loddon.

Basingstoke Transition Network (BTN) fully supports any scheme that helps reduce the pollution levels in the area.  Martin Heath of BTN said: “We have been working with Maria to identify the biggest impacts we have on our environment.  Carbon Dioxide emissions and water pollution are probably the two biggest.  We need to reduce both.  Using less phosphates is one of the easiest things we can do.”

Andy Molloy added: “We want to work with local schools, communities, environmental groups and shops to show how very easy and simple changes could reduce phosphate pollution in the Loddon by 20%.”