Water Quality Monitoring Network

Phosphorous Information Sheet

Prepared by Cardiff University on behalf of the Wye Catchment Collaborative Monitoring Network, this short guide for citizen scientist explains the different forms of phosphorous and how they relate to water quality monitoring.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOSPHOROUS INFORMATION SHEET

Algal Blooms

We ask volunteers to record observations of Algal Blooms because they can be harmful to fish, wildlife and humans and are linked to poor water quality, in particular eutrophication (phosphate and nitrate nutrient enrichment).

Algae occur naturally in inland waters such as rivers, streams and lakes. When conditions are ideal for growth, an algal bloom can occur. During a bloom, the water becomes less clear and may look green, blue-green or greenish-brown, brown or even black. Scums can form during calm weather when several bloom forming species rise to the surface. This can look like paint, mousse or small clumps.

Cyanobacteria or ‘blue-green algae’, a type of blooming algae, can produce toxins. These toxins can kill invertebrates, fish, wild animals, livestock and pets. They can also harm people, producing rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed. Algal blooms block sunlight from reaching other plants in the water. They also use up oxygen in the water at night which can suffocate fish and other creatures. Oxygen is also used up when the bloom decays.

If volunteers witness an algal bloom, they should record it on Epicollect and report it to the Environment Incident Hotline. Telephone (24 hour service) 0800 80 70 60

EA Blue Green Algae Leaflet

Algal blooms: advice for the public and landowners

Agricultural Pollution

Whilst sewage pollution has received a lot of attention, and rightly so, it is important to recognise that agriculture is the largest contributor to poor water quality on our waterways.

Farmers should be adhering to the Farming Rules for Water in order to minimise the impact of diffuse pollution – The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)

A summary of the rules are laid out by the EA in this policy paper – Farming rules to protect watercourses – policy paper (publishing.service.gov.uk)

It is the Environment Agency’s responsibility to ensure compliance and address non-compliance to the Farming Rules for Water and if you suspect that a farmer is not compliant you should report your concerns to the Environment Incident Hotline.  Telephone (24-hour service) 0800 80 70 60 – Report an environmental incident – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). The EA and many local Rivers Trusts have teams of farm advisors who can support farmers with the implementation of the Farming Rules for Water.

• If you want to know more about the Water Quality Monitoring Network contact [email protected]