Catchment management to reduce raw ‘water colour’ caused by natural organic matter (NOM) released from decaying plant material and soil has been evaluated in many upland areas of the UK.

Water colour has increased across the last few decades in many areas draining organic rich peaty soils. Management of water colour at source is desirable to reduce the pressure on removal at the water treatment works. NOM needs to be removed prior to chlorination to reduce the production of disinfection by-products (DBPs) that can be harmful to human health. The session seeks to share Water Industry knowledge in this area, focusing on taking stock of what we know and identifying future priorities. Contributions will feed in to a wider review of UK Water Industry knowledge currently being undertaken by the TWENTY65 Catchments Theme.