An innovative new programme is underway to monitor water quality at 16 popular wild swimming spots around England.
The monitors will provide real-time data on key water quality parameters, including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity.
The data will be made available to the public via an online dashboard, and will help to improve understanding of water quality at these popular swimming spots. The monitors will also help to identify any potential pollution risks, and will support efforts to protect water quality in these areas.
The programme is being led by the Rivers Trust, a national charity working to protect and improve rivers in England and Wales. The project is being funded by the Environment Agency, and is part of a wider effort to improve water quality at wild swimming spots across the country.
Here is a list of the 16 wild swimming spots where the monitors have been deployed:
- River Thames, Oxfordshire
- River Wye, Herefordshire
- River Severn, Shropshire
- River Trent, Nottinghamshire
- River Ouse, Yorkshire
- River Tyne, Northumberland
- River Wear, County Durham
- River Tees, County Durham
- River Eden, Cumbria
- River Derwent, Cumbria
- River Lune, Cumbria
- River Ribble, Lancashire
- River Mersey, Merseyside
- River Dee, Cheshire
- River Wye, Monmouthshire
- River Usk, Monmouthshire
The data from the monitors will be used to inform a range of measures to improve water quality at these sites, including:
* Identifying and mitigating pollution sources
* Improving wastewater treatment infrastructure
* Raising awareness of water quality issues
* Promoting responsible behaviour by swimmers
The Rivers Trust is working with a range of partners on this project, including the Environment Agency, local authorities, and conservation groups. The project is part of a wider effort to improve water quality in rivers across England and Wales.
Kind regards B. Carpenter.
