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Weed Control for the Water Sector – Foamstream
Foamstream is a herbicide-free, environmentally friendly and cost-effective weed control solution for filtration beds, aquatic weeds, and waterways maintenance.
Approved for organic use by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, OF&G, and The Soil Association.
Why weed control is critical for water filtration beds
While maintaining weeds at other sites is an aesthetic issue, the task at water filtration beds is an operation-critical issue, relating to the performance of the system.
Controlling moss and algae on water filtration beds is crucial to ensure that the plant can operate efficiently. Other than mechanical failure of the rotating filter arms, weed growth can have the biggest impact on the effective and efficient operation of the filter beds.
If weeds aren’t properly maintained on a water filter bed, moss and algae can grow near the water, causing multiple issues. Including:
- An interference with the regular rotation of the filter arms – particularly if weeds grow above 12cm.
- Damage to the media that fills the filter bed, or inhibiting drainage through the bed.
- A smothering of the media, causing sewage to bypass parts of the filter bed, resulting in uneven distribution.
- A buildup of solids between the media of the filter bed, impacting air flow.
- Some weed species can pass through the filter and contaminate the water course.
Our Clients
Foamstream is entirely safe for waterway use and trusted by water companies such as Scottish Water, Southern Water, Wessex Water, Severn Trent Water, Welsh Water.
What is Foamstream? Weed control without herbicides for the water sector
Foamstream is applied using patented machinery to control and prevent moss and aquatic weed growth around waterways and filtration beds. It uses hot water, paired with a biodegradable insulating foam, to maintain the necessary temperatures for the required length of time to kill or sufficiently damage the weed.
Foamstream is a safer, environmentally friendly and faster route to weed control than using herbicides, especially as herbicide users are required to gain permission from the Environment Agency before application.
As Foamstream is made using plant oils and sugars, it’s organic, kind to the environment, safe for use, and bypasses the regulatory hurdles herbicides pose. And, with options to purchase, rent or finance, how you pay for it is up to you.
Weed control for water filter beds
Weed and moss growth has long been an operation-critical issue for water filter beds, compromising the efficiency of the filter bed itself and interfering with the rotating filter arms.
As glyphosate weed killers rely on soil absorption, they’re ineffective at tackling moss and growth on gravel surfaces. Up to now, many water companies have resorted to manual weeding to tackle the problem, which poses health and safety risks and proves incredibly labour intensive and costly.
The efficacy of manual weeding also poses a challenge. Not only can it be difficult to remove the whole weed by hand, but they also grow back quickly, requiring regular attention throughout the year.
100% natural and organic, Foamstream is approved for use on water filter beds and requires no permits to use on site. It cuts treatment times by half compared to manual weeding and reduces treatment cycles throughout the year.
Real Results – Before vs After
Why use Foamstream for weed control in the water sector?
- Safe and effective on gravel and water filtration beds
- Eliminates chemical run-off and compliance concerns
- Effective on embankments, bridges, and hard-to-reach riparian zones
- Reduces long-term maintenance and regrowth
- Multi-functional beyond weed control
- Supports biodiversity and visible water quality improvement
The dangers of using herbicides instead of Foamstream around water
- Regulatory
- Human health risks
- Public opposition
- Cost implications
- Reputational/strategic
- Risks to aquatic life
- Efficacy
Herbicides
- Only suitably qualified people can apply herbicides in certain circumstances and after obtaining permission from the Environment Agency
- A growing number of towns are banning the use of pesticides in the UK
Foamstream
- Can be applied anywhere by anyone, no environmental permits or certifications required
Herbicides
- Contain the chemical glyphosate, which was classified as a ‘probable human carcinogen’ by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
- The Global Glyphosate Study (2025) links glyphosate with increased cancer incidences
Foamstream
- Certified organic, posing no risk to human or animal health
Herbicides
- Majority of the UK public want their water to be free of pesticides other chemicals
Foamstream
- No cause for public concern – safe for use in any environment including water
Herbicides
- Water companies in England and Wales spend millions of pounds each year removing pesticides from drinking water, which is passed onto the consumer. South West Water estimates that 17% of the amount of its customers’ bills results from passing on the cost of pesticide removal
Foamstream
- Cost effective weed control solution, boasting the lowest cost of ownership to glyphosate alternatives
Herbicides
- Widespread shift away from use – organisations reliant on herbicides risk getting left behind competitors.
- 45% of local authorities are working to actively reduce or eliminate pesticides.
Foamstream
- Foamstream reduces use of harmful chemicals and organisations’ negative environmental impact, allowing closer alignment with sustainability goals
Herbicides
- Aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides, according to PAN UK, affecting populations of invertebrates, amphibians, fish and the wildlife that feeds on them
Foamstream
- A consumable blend of biodegradable natural plants oils and sugars – safe for use in delicate ecosystems and around water
Herbicides
- Requires soil absorption to work, making it ineffective for weed and moss treatment on gravel
- Less effective in wet and windy weathers
Foamstream
- Doesn’t rely on absorption – a powerful solution for moss control and gravel surfaces
- Effective all year round and in all weathers
Take a look at our case studies to find out how Foamstream has transformed weed control in the water sector for organisations like yours.
FAQs
Which is the best method to control aquatic weeds?
Foamstream requires fewer treatment cycles than other glyphosate alternatives and bypasses the health, environmental and regulatory concerns posed by herbicide use.
While other methods are required to tackle floating weeds on the water surface and submerged weeds in bodies of water, Foamstream is highly effective at tackling marginal and emerging plants along the embankments of canals, rivers and lakes.
It’s also safe and effective on moss and weeds on gravel and filtration beds, reducing the time and cost of manual weeding while boosting performance and equipment lifespan.
Ready to get started with herbicide-free weed control for the water sector?
Get in touch with us or book a demo to start your journey to a safer, more sustainable, effective weed control solution today.