Why water is treated differently
The Environment Agency asks for its permission before herbicides (weedkillers) are used to control weeds and unwanted vegetation in or close to a river or watercourse. It says this is to make sure the herbicide could not damage or pollute the aquatic environment, including both surface water and groundwater.
The Environment Agency agreement
The Environment Agency’s form AqHerb01, “Agreement to use herbicides in or near water”, is for anyone who plans to use herbicides to control weeds in water or on the banks next to a waterbody or watercourse. GOV.UK says you can apply online in England or use the PDF form.
Other requirements when using herbicides
GOV.UK guidance on controlling invasive plants says that when using approved chemicals you must:
- hold a certificate of competence for herbicide use, or be supervised by a certificate holder
- carry out a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment
- get permission from Natural England if the area is protected, such as a site of special scientific interest
- get agreement from the Environment Agency to use herbicides in or near water
Typical places this applies
- Garden and farm ponds, and lakes
- Ditches, streams and rivers, and their banks
- Invasive weeds that grow beside water, such as Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed
How we can help
Our operator holds the PA6AW certificate of competence for applying pesticides in or near water, alongside PA1, PA2, PA4 and PA6. We carry £10 million public liability insurance. Tell us about the site and the water nearby, and we will talk through what is needed before any weed control takes place.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Application to use herbicides in or near water (Environment Agency)
- GOV.UK: How to stop invasive non-native plants from spreading
Guides are a plain-English summary of official guidance at the time of writing, not legal advice. Always check the current guidance or ask the relevant authority.