River Avon E-coli Testing in the Vale of Evesham

Avonvale River Action Group is a citizen science group that monitors water quality along the Warwickshire River Avon. Our goal is to improve the health of the River Avon in the Vale of Evesham so that the river is a thriving home for wildlife and a safe environment for us all to enjoy.

We have been successful in our application to join the Surfers Against Sewage E.coli testing programme. Avonvale River Action want to test 3 locations weekly at Bidford, Fladbury and Eckington. We have funding from Surfers Against Sewage for one location, but to test the other 2 sites we need to raise additional funds to pay for additional kit, laboratory testing and postage of samples.

Since October 2022, the group has been monitoring water quality using sampling kits supplied by the Angling Trust funded by parish, town and district councils. We now have 15 volunteers who are carrying out monthly sampling of phosphates, nitrates and electrical conductivity, in 27 locations along the River Avon from Bidford, through Offenham, Evesham, Fladbury, Cropthorne, Lower Moor, Wyre Piddle, Pershore, Eckington and on to Defford. The data captured is uploaded to Angling Trust’s Water Quality Monitoring Network (WQMN) national database and is being used to influence water quality nationally. Water quality data is also used to raise awareness locally of the health of the River Avon and the group responds to incidents reported by volunteers and local residents. We have forged relationships with Severn Trent, the Environment Agency, Severn Trust Partnership and Wychavon District Council who can all influence water quality.

However, it is the bacteria E.coli and intestinal enterococci that best indicate the presence of sewage in waterways. If these bacteria are present they can cause illness if ingested by river users. Each year we hear of residents who fall ill after being in contact with water in the Avon.

We have been successful in our application to join the Surfers Against Sewage E.coli testing programme. Avonvale River Action want to test 3 locations weekly at Bidford, Fladbury and Eckington. We have funding from Surfers Against Sewage for one location, but to test the other 2 sites we need to raise additional funds to pay for additional kit, laboratory testing and postage of samples.

Our goal is to publish the E.coli testing results to give river users the information they need to make safe choices when entering the water. By testing 3 sites, we can identify if there are differences along the water course. We will share the data collated with all parties who influence water quality of the River Avon including Severn Trent and the Environment Agency. Our data will also be used by Surfers Against Sewage as part of their national dataset used for campaigning.

Please support our funding campaign and help us to clean up the River Avon!