The River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region and the Environment Agency have given a technical demonstration of a new water quality monitoring station at the Linney Riverside Park in Ludlow.
The partners hosted MP Stuart Anderson, members of Shropshire Council, Ludlow Town Council to explain the new £25,000 trial which will mean the Environment Agency can gather daily readings remotely, in additional to the manual reading being made once a week.
The sensors will also build in rainfall data and other scientific measurements to assist understanding of its effects on increased bacteria levels.
The ‘proof of concept’ trial, is the first of its kind in the UK and will bring both scientific and social benefits.
Scientifically it will help build a better picture of the levels and types of bacteria in the watercourse, their potential sources, how they are affected by the environment and how they affect the ecology.
Socially it will be much better for people who enjoy cold water swimming to be able to choose the safest times and places to participate.
The trial has been funded by the RSPAWIR and will be delivered by the EA. It also has the backing of the EA National Water Quality Instrumentation Service.