Hazard Knowledge

Hazard Knowledge

During incidents, contaminated fire water can affect the environment through direct run-off into a water body, soaking away into the ground or by entering drainage systems. These systems may then transport pollutants in the firewater into rivers, lakes, estuaries and the sea, groundwater, or to sewage treatment works. Introducing a heated liquid into a watercourse is also a form of pollution because it may cause de-oxygenation or kill aquatic organisms. See Section 1.6, Environmental Protection Handbook.