Pollution testing in fresh water

Testing for Earthwatch and Imperial College

Members of New Forest Friends of the Earth joined the call to test local water bodies for water pollution. A meeting was held at a member’s house on Avon Water, a river that flows into The Solent at Keyhaven. We tested a sample of that water and kits for water testing were given to both members of NFFoE and other members of the public.

We subsequently tested 16 sites in the southern New Forest and found that the majority of sites were of low to moderate nutrient status. Danestream was of particular interest as it had experienced sewage pollution in August (see previous blog post). Results showed moderate to high levels of nitrate and phosphates. We clearly need to keep an eye on this. We will be testing again in April. Let us know if you’d like to join in