Citizen Science

We have teamed up with Surfers against Sewage Citizen Science Project to laboratory test water samples from the river Avon in Chippenham.

We are measuring Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci. These are faecal indicator organisms, and what regulators (such as the Environment Agency) use to measure water quality at designated bathing waters

Surfers Against Sewage Scheme

Water quality samples that are collected regularly by Zero Chippenham are analysed for two types of bacteria, known as faecal indicator organisms (FIOs). These are Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci.

E. coli is a species of bacteria of the genus Escherichia. It is a broad species, with many different strains, some of which can be harmful to human health. Many species of Escherichia are part of the gut microflora, and constitute of a wider group of microorganisms known as coliforms. Coliforms are commonly associated with the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, and are therefore useful indicator organisms for the presence of untreated sewage in rivers. Specifically, E. coli are readily culturable under laboratory conditions. All E. coli are coliforms, however there are many other types of coliforms that are not E. coli.

Intestinal Enterococci
Enterococcus (plural Enterococci) is a large genus of bacteria containing many different species. They are also found in very high numbers in untreated sewage, and like E. coli are easy to culture in a laboratory. We test for the whole genus here, rather than one specific species like E. coli, because many genera of Enterococcus can be found in sewage.

Nitrates and Phosphates

High levels of nitrates and phosphates can lead to eutrophication, characterised by excessive algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water, harming fish and other aquatic life.

Monitoring these nutrients is crucial for maintaining healthy river ecosystems and ensuring water quality standards are met.

What are the causes?

• Agricultural Runoff: Both nitrates and phosphates primarily originate from agricultural practices, including fertiliser application and livestock waste. This runoff can lead to nutrient enrichment in rivers, causing eutrophication, which disrupts aquatic ecosystems
• Sewage Effluent: Treated wastewater also contributes to nutrient levels in rivers, particularly where sewage systems discharge into water bodies

Why monitor in Chippenham

Ongoing monitoring and management efforts are essential to control nitrate and phosphate levels in UK rivers, particularly given their significant impact on water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Assessing and report on these trends help to inform policy and conservation efforts to protect our river in its rapidly changing environment. River hub are monitoring Phosphate and Nitrate levels at other key points in Chippenham.