Yorkshire Water and River Holme Connections have launched a pilot scheme to relaunch the national Yellow Fish campaign across the region.
The initiative aims to reduce pollution in rivers, streams, canals and lakes by reminding residents that surface water drains flow directly into local watercourses without treatment.
As part of the pilot, 43 Yellow Fish discs have been installed next to drains in the New Mill area.
The symbols are designed to raise awareness that only rainwater should enter surface drains, helping prevent oils, detergents, paints and other harmful substances from polluting waterways and damaging wildlife.
Emily Eden, Partnerships Advisor for Yorkshire Water said: “Oils, detergents, paints, and other harmful substances often make their way into rivers because many people don’t realise that surface water drains are often separate from the foul sewer system and don’t make their way to a wastewater treatment site.
“The Yellow Fish discs are essentially a small reminder for people that only rain goes down the drain.”
Yorkshire Water has identified further pilot areas in the Holme Valley and Aire catchments, with the next phase planned for Silsden.
The plaques were installed quickly and it is hoped they will encourage residents to think more carefully about waste disposal.
Alongside the Yellow Fish campaign, Yorkshire Water said it is continuing wider investment programmes to improve river health and bathing water quality.
This includes a £1.5 billion programme to reduce storm overflow use, £350 million investment at 85 wastewater treatment sites and £23 million for improved wastewater network monitoring.
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