Bristol Avon Rivers Trust-Only Rain Down the Drain
March 25th, 2026Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) have been painting pavements in Bradley Stoke to encourage people to look after their local rivers. Working with award-winning wildlife artist Alicia Hayden, they created temporary pavement murals next to road drains to deliver the message:
Only Rain Down the Drain.
Funded by Bradley Stoke Town Council, several drainside artworks were painted outside three local schools: Bowsland Green Primary School, Holy Trinity Primary School, and Meadowbrook Primary School.
The art pieces were created using non-toxic chalk-based paints, which gradually washaway during rainfall over a couple of weeks. The artist hand painted pieces, and BART staff used stencils, created by artist Jess Knights, to portray their messages. The pieces featured Bristol’s river wildlife such as otters, eels, and fish, alongside powerful messages such as “drains lead to rivers”, and “water not waste”.
Amy Wade, BART’s River Engagement and Education Lead said:
“We were so delighted to be joined by such a talented artist to help spread this important message in a creative and fun way. Many people don’t realise drains often lead straight into rivers and everyone making small changes can make a big difference to river health”.
Storm drains found on roads are an important way of draining the rainwater from our streets to prevent flooding. To reduce the amount of water heading to sewage treatment works, this water is often carried directly into rivers and streams. However, not everyone is aware of where this water goes, and the impact of pollutants going down our storm drains to river ecosystems.
Anything other than rain that goes down these outdoor drains such as litter, car oils, detergents, solvents, leftover paint, weed killers or wastewater can harm river health and its wildlife. Some of these chemicals are toxic to aquatic life or can cause long-term health issues to animals in the rivers. They can also suffocate river life by depleting oxygen levels or cause algal blooms which can be detrimental to aquatic systems.
Each drain art piece carries an important message to remind passers-by to take care of what they discard down storm drains.
If you have any liquid to dispose of such as mop water or car washing water, the toilet or an indoor drain is the safest option, as the these connect to the sewer system where the water is treated, unlike storm drains which often lead straight into waterways. Using products that are non-toxic and biodegradable is also a great step, as they break down more easily and are less harmful to the environment.
There are harsh chemicals such as solvents and paint thinners which can damage your plumbing, and liquids such as oils and lubricants which can clog pipes. These should be stored in a sealed container and taken to your local recycling centre who can process this waste effectively.
