EIA Water Resources Working Group

Join us for the Q3 meeting of our Water Resources Working Group. Our guest speaker will be Jo Bradley – Environmental Advocate and Director of Operations, Stormwater Shepherds UK

Jo Bradley is a leading voice in the fight against water pollution in the UK, currently serving as the UK Director of Operations at Stormwater Shepherds, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing plastic and urban pollution in waterways. With a career spanning decades in environmental protection, Jo has become a respected expert in sustainable drainage, stormwater management, and pollution control.

In 2025, Jo Bradley gave compelling oral and written evidence to the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee during its inquiry into storm overflows and pollution. Her testimony highlighted the often-overlooked issue of highway runoff, which she described as a toxic cocktail of carcinogens, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and microplastics. She criticised the lack of regulatory enforcement and called for urgent action to address pollution from surface water sewers and road networks. committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/21622/pdf/

Jo’s evidence underscored the need for:

• Expanded Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs) to include surface water pollution.
• Greater investment in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and nature-based solutions.
• Stronger enforcement of existing environmental regulations, particularly around highway outfalls.
• Technological innovation in monitoring and transparency of water company discharges.

Beyond her parliamentary work, Jo is actively involved in field research and public education. She has led pollution sampling efforts across the UK, including in Lancashire and along the River Ribble, and regularly contributes to public discourse through newsletters, site visits, and media appearances.

Jo’s leadership at Stormwater Shepherds UK has helped elevate the conversation around urban diffuse pollution, advocating for systemic change in how the UK manages its water infrastructure. Her work continues to influence policy, inspire community action, and push for a cleaner, healthier water environment for future generations.

Expect this session to be thought provoking and challenging with a lively debate.