TESTING

 Wessex water show a useful Coast and Rivers Watch  interactive map which identifies which outfalls are discharging untreated sewage into rhinos, streams and rivers. However, it seems that it is impossible to get to their map from outside, by just clicking the link above, so you have to go to https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/ and then search "coast and rivers watch" which should get you there.

Local Action 4 Water are just starting to test water quality with strips that detect nitrates and other indices of pollution. 

The test is simply done. Get a sample of the water in a clean jar, dip a stick in, shake it, wait a specified number of seconds, and compare the colour of each section of the strip with a colour chart. 

We buy our test strips from Simplex Health (don't worry, they are not paying us), and we went for their 5-in-one water test kits, which tests for pH, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Nitrite and Nitrate. They cost £25 for 50 strips (early 2025 prices). Get them here. 

Simplex also sell Phosphate test strips.

If you find raised nitrate and phosphorus levels in your local waterway,  you can call Wessex Water and discuss your results.

Here is a great website on citizen science testing for phosphorus on the River Parrett.