Water level: -108cm (-8cm) Measured from height of embankment at sample point 2
E.Coli: - None detected (measured using a simple present/absent test at sample point 5)
Wildlife observations
Coots, Canada geese, swan, Egyptian geese, mallard, dragonfly, cabbage white butterflies, parakeet, heron, black headed gull, swallow, chub, roach.
Water level: -100cm (measured from height of embankment at sample point 2)
E.Coli: - None detected (measured using a simple present/absent test at sample point 5)
Wildlife observations
Coots, Canada geese, swan, Egyptian geese, crow, mallard, dragonfly, grashopper, bees, cabbage white butterflies, unidentified
butterflies, unidentified moth, Eurasian wren, robin, squirrel, hornet, parakeet, heron, chiffchaff, black headed gull, swallow.
Augsut 2026: Routine monthly testing
July 2026: Routine monthly testing
Monthly testing
We aim to test at the start of each month. Tests are normally done from a kayak on the water so that we can make better river observations,
but occasionally we will take them from the bank.
Summary of water tests
Ammonia: A measure of recent organic pollution, including sewage. Low levels are generally a sign of healthy water. 🟩 <0.1 🟨 0.1-0.5 🟥 >0.5
Phosphate: A measure of long-term nutrient pollution. High levels can encourage algal blooms and poorer river health. 🟩 <0.1 🟨 0.1-0.3 🟥 >0.3
Nitrite: A measure of recent changes in water quality. High levels can indicate pollution or poor river health. 🟩 0 🟨 0.5-5 🟥 >5
Nitrate:A measure of long-term nutrient enrichment. High levels can encourage algal blooms and poorer river health. 🟩 0-10 🟨 11-50 🟥 >50
Conductivity: A measure of dissolved minerals/salts in the water. Used to establish a baseline and identify changes over time. 🟩 Baseline 🟨 Deviation
Temperature: Water temperature affects oxygen levels and the health of fish, insects and other wildlife. Used to monitor seasonal changes over time.
Water level: A simple measurement of water level to track seasonal changes. The higher the number, the lower the water level.
We use Hanna Instruments checkers for ammonia and phosphate, and an HM Digital meter for conductivity and temperature. Nitrite, nitrate
and E. coli are monitored using indicator strips as an inexpensive screening tool. If unusually high readings are found, we will consider follow-up
laboratory testing. This approach allows us to monitor the river regularly while keeping costs low.
