The Environment Agency has warned householders in Malvern to take care when cleaning painting products following reports of an adverse effect on water quality in the area.
It had received reports of white spirit and paint residues being found in a tributary at Madresfield Brook in the Malvern Link.
The agency urged tradesment and householders to be aware of where their drain goes before emptying any substance into it.
Michael Morris, an environment officer, said: "It is important that householders and tradesmen only wash out paint brushes into the foul sewer system, not to surface water drains."
He added that much of the surface water in the area goes directly into the local watercourses and advised those painting to take waste paint thinners to the chemical safe at the disposal site in Newlands.
Last week, the Environment Agency announced it had received financial approval for the construction of a tidal defence scheme for Shaldon and Ringmore worth £8.5 million.
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