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Developing a water testing protocol

Despite the continued great work of Riverfly Monitors Toby and Giorgia, and water health monitors Claire and Kels, the Wessex Water claim highlights that we will need to develop a water testing protocol which provides irrefutable evidence of the presence of sewage in the brook.

Toby, monitoring Riverfly

Part of this has included Toby working on a Geographic Information System (GIS) Map of the local area, bringing together data from sewage maps and various testing information to create a clear overview of our friend the brook.

Map showing the Brislington Brook catchment area
GIS Map of the brook

Guardians have lots of plans for the future of water health testing including an Outfall Safari, working with Bristol University students to develop the protocol and engage with local businesses for funding for testing equipment.

If you detect foul smells or sewage in the brook, please report to the Environmental Agency and to Wessex Water.

EA Hotline: 0800 80 70 60 (open 24 hours a day)

Wessex Water: 03345 600 4 600

From the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust:

“Repeated minor incidents can indicate a larger underlying problem and reports from community groups have already prompted action on rivers including the Trym.”

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