The groups want much more use of moors, marshes and plants to store and clean rain water, instead of allowing it to run straight into rivers and thus increase the risk of flooding.

BBC: UK water resources 'left to weather's mercy'

But rain forecast for Tuesday afternoon could hamper the clean-up by carrying oil sheen towards nearby Lake Conway, a popular destination for bass, catfish, bream and crappie fishing.

BBC: Exxon Mobil oil spill subject to Arkansas investigation

With fresh water, we are working hard to establish biodiversity priorities and to demonstrate how incredibly important biologically rich, intact natural systems like rain forests are in ensuring a continued supply of clean water to human societies.

FORBES: Conservation International: Stemming the Tide of Environmental Crises, Part Two