Clean Up Your River

General Introductory Reading

• Understand key issues with pollution in UK rivers via The Rivers Trust
• Use Defra’s Catchment Data Explorer to get EA figures on the status of your river.
• Use the National Storm Overflow Hub to find out whether a storm overflow is currently discharging, the date/time of its last discharge, and planned improvement activity.
• Look at Swimfo’s details of designated bathing waters by name or location.

Local Introductory Reading

• Dorset Catchments website: catchment strategies for West Dorset rivers, Poole Harbour & the Stour
• Wessex Water’s guide to Storm Overflows.
• Wessex Water’s Coast and Rivers Watch interactive map with near real-time information about the operation of all overflows in the Wessex Water region. South West Water’s WaterFit equivalent.
• Wessex Water (and South West Water) will also offer information on, and tours of, local Sewage Treatment Plants, historical and planned Storm Overflow and Sewage Treatment provision.

Thinking of Starting a River Action group – or want to extend your water monitoring?

• Look at the Environment Agency’s Citizen Science Technical Advisory Framework – this sets out 8 principles for Citizen Science with links to practical guidance from CaSTCo and others.
• Look at River Action’s River Rescue Kit with guidance on setting up a group, testing the water, getting funding, campaigning, etc.
• Look at The Rivers Trust website for a guide to the key issues and how to take action.
• Use the CaSTCo Knowledge Base to learn about Collaborative Monitoring Planning, Data, and Monitoring Methods (biological, fish, bacteria, riverfly, physical, soil, water quality, chemicals).
• CaSTCo also has a map and established groups can join here: Join CaSTCo 
• Read the excellent Monitor’s Guide to Water Quality.
• Read the UK’s Water Framework Directive for background on river standards and regulations.
• Read a useful guide to accessing Environment Agency Data.
• Read about Environment Agency Data Sets and how to use them.
• Investigate pollution from highway runoff across your catchment.
• See the RiverHub data on monitoring specific chemicals in rivers.
• See the CROWD - WATER QUALITY RESOURCES guide.
• Add your project to the River Action Community Map.

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Want to volunteer to work as part of a national rivers project group?

• Become a Westcountry Rivers Trust CSI Monitor.
• Become a riverfly monitor.
• Take part in the Rivers Trust Big River Watch.
• Volunteer via your local Rivers Trust.