PEOPLE are being asked to help check the health of the River Frome and other waterways by taking part in a large-scale ‘citizen science’ project.
Charity Bristol Avon Rivers Trust runs the annual RiverBlitz every summer, and invites residents to help sample water in local rivers, streams, and ditches to find out pollution levels.
People can apply for a free water testing kit, including a sampling tube and testing paper to collect data on nutrient pollution levels and also make visual observations of the water.
Last year, a record 193 people collected samples from the Avon, Frome and other waterways in the area. The idea is to collect a snapshot of the state of the region’s rivers at a given time – this year samples can be taken between July 5 and 12 for the project.
Anyone who would like to take part should sign up before July 1 on BART’s website at tinyurl.com/66zfue89.
Those taking part are sent up to three kits to take to a spot at a river or stream of their choice, along with detailed instructions on how to accurately collect data.
BART chief executive Simon Hunter said: “At BART, we believe that understanding the true state of our rivers requires evidence.
“The RiverBlitz is a wonderful opportunity for people to get actively involved in monitoring their local watercourses.
“It helps us better understand the condition of our water environment and guides future protection efforts.
“The data collected by our volunteers allows us to identify areas most at risk and determine where management and restoration efforts will be most effective.
“Our volunteers are part of a growing citizen science movement that underscores the importance of local stewardship in safeguarding our valuable freshwater resources and ecosystems.”
Afterwards the information will be published on BART’s RiverBlitz website.