Pangbourne Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring Programme Launches

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This month marked the start of Thames21’s Reclaim Our Rivers citizen science water quality monitoring programme on the River Thames between South Stoke and Pangbourne. The programme will help build an understanding of river health at Pangbourne Meadow, a popular spot with river users, and highlight any potential pollution inputs affecting the site. This monitoring project will repeat a similar programme that took place in summer 2024, where heavy rainfall was found to have a profoundly negative impact on water quality (see report here).  

Map of the seven sample locations where water will be tested.

This year, seven locations, including Pangbourne Meadow (see map), will be sampled over twenty weeks between May to September for the bacteria E coli & Intestinal Enterococci. Sample points have been selected downstream of possible pollution inputs such as sewage treatment works. In April, residents and river users attended a training day to learn about water quality monitoring and become citizen scientists. Their valuable monitoring work will help to identify pollution sources and help us advocate for a healthier Thames. 

Samples will be analysed by Thames Water’s laboratory in Reading, and results will be correlated with rainfall and Thames Water’s sewage discharges, finalising in a technical report that will summarise any pollution issues on this stretch and make recommendations for improved water quality and safer access.

The monitoring work conducted by citizen scientists will help identify pollution sources and advocate for a healthier Thames. ©Olivia Mooney-Griffiths

The monitoring is being supported with help from residents and local organisations such as Dolphin Adventure and Goring Gap Environmental Organisation, and with involvement from both local and district Councils.  

The Reclaim Our Rivers programme helps river users become more informed, and advocates for solutions to pollution issues that threaten the health of wildlife and people. Citizen science monitoring projects such as this are also helping to build a more comprehensive picture of river health and bacterial pollution along the Thames, bringing us closer to a future of fun and safe access to clean waterways for all.  

 

 

To keep up with the project, go to the Reclaim Our Rivers page or email agnes.hodges@thames21.org.uk