Water, Water Everywhere, Nor Any Drop to Drink?
Here at Friendly Soap, we’re not just soap-makers - we’re water-lovers, wild swimmers, and passionate protectors of our planet’s most precious resource. And yes, we love a good dip! But our love for water goes way beyond just splashing about. It’s about making sure our rivers, lakes, and oceans stay clean, healthy, and full of life for everyone (and everything) that calls them home.
We are pretty happy to dip year-round - in rain, wind, and all. We've been thinking about the water we swim in - and what we can all do to protect it.
What is the documentary about sewage?
If you’ve seen Channel 4’s Dirty Business, you’ll know how shocking the state of our rivers really is. The docudrama lifts the lid on a decade of sewage scandals - focusing on Oxfordshire, but let’s be honest, this is a problem everywhere in the UK and Ireland. It’s not just disappointing; it’s downright infuriating. Our rivers deserve better, and so do the communities and wildlife that rely on them.
So, what is water quality?
Simply put, it’s about how clean and healthy our water is - whether it’s safe for drinking, swimming, or supporting the fish, insects, and plants that call it home. Sadly, the reality is grim. The Rivers Trust’s 2024 ‘State of our Rivers’ report revealed that not a single stretch of river in England or Northern Ireland is in good overall health. Just 15% of English rivers, 31% of Northern Irish rivers, and 50% of Irish rivers meet basic ecological standards. That’s not just bad, it’s a crisis.
The Rivers Trust say: “Healthy rivers are a powerful ally in mitigating the effects of climate change; they can protect communities from flood and drought events, and they bolster ecosystem and biodiversity resilience. Yet, the majority of our rivers in the UK & Ireland are far from healthy.”
So, what can you do?
- Get involved: Join projects like the Big River Watch to monitor water quality and spot pollution hotspots. Every pair of eyes helps!
- Clean up your act (literally!): Swap to phosphate-free cleaning products (like ours!), ditch the garden pesticides, and report sewage spills to the Environment Agency. Small changes make a big difference.
- Raise your voice: Write to your MP and demand stronger regulations on water companies. Our friends at Friends of the Earth UK and River Action UK have brilliant templates to help you get started.
At Friendly Soap, our ethics drive everything we do. Since our beginnings in 2008, every single decision we have made has been subject to the same questions: Does it harm the planet? Is it good for people? Will its short-term benefit be at the long-term cost of our planet’s health?
Our ingredients are always natural and carefully selected. We care about the impact of the products we use - and wanted to create a biodegradable, plastic-free alternative at an affordable cost.
A quick word on ‘biodegradable’…
We know you’re savvy, but let’s be crystal clear: ‘biodegradable’ doesn’t automatically mean ‘safe for nature’. Even our soap should only be used where it can go through proper drains - never directly into rivers, lakes, or streams. Surfactants (found in soaps, shampoos, and detergents) mess with water’s surface tension, which can harm wildlife. Always rinse responsibly!
The wastewater from showers, baths, and washing machines is treated in specialised sewage treatment works or wastewater treatment plants via filtration, biological breakdown, and disinfection (often UV) to remove pathogens and soaps.
There’s a great blog here by Section Hiker detailing why it’s never a good idea to rinse off soaps into natural water courses: The Truth about Biodegradable Soap in the Backcountry
Let’s make waves - together!
If, like us, you’re worried about the state of our water, there’s so much you can do. Check out what is happening in your local area and find local campaigns, join a river clean-up, or simply spread the word. Every action counts, and together, we can turn the tide on water pollution.
Dive in, speak up, and let’s keep our waters friendly!
