PEOPLE are being invited to join a community effort to measure the health of rivers and streams in the Downend area.
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) runs the annual Bristol Avon RiverBlitz. which this year is taking place from July 25 to August 2.
The charity invites people to send off for a kit they can use to sample the quality of water in local rivers, streams and wetlands for common nitrate and phosphate pollutants that indicate poor water quality.
Last year volunteers took samples of water from the River Frome in 13 places between Hambrook, and Frenchay, measuring levels of nutrients washed into the river to see if they were harmful.
High levels of pollutant phosphates were found in nine of the sites, and medium levels of nitrates found 12 out of the 13 sites.
BART River Engagement and Education Lead Amy Wade said: “The Bristol Avon RiverBlitz is our biggest volunteer event of the year, with hundreds of families, friends and individuals heading to their local river to make their contribution to improving river health.
“We are always delighted by the level of participation, which helps us build a detailed snapshot of river health across the catchment.”
People can apply online for a free water testing kit and instructions at tinyurl.com/2s4jxuus.
Kits are posted to volunteers and, after taking their samples, they submit their results online.
BART says RiverBlitz accessible and suitable for individuals and families to take part in.
Amy said: “Participants gain a deeper understanding of their local waterways, discover new places, and contribute valuable data that helps inform action to improve river health.”
The event takes place across the Bristol Avon catchment, which includes the Avon, Frome and other tributaries including the River Chew and minor brooks and streams that feed into the rivers.
Testing takes a few minutes: volunteers use colour-changing test strips to measure phosphate and nitrate levels, comparing results to a chart.
They can submit findings on the spot using a mobile phone or upload them later from home.
Participants are also encouraged to take a photo, note key features of the waterway, and record any wildlife or litter seen.
Amy said: “Monitoring nitrates and phosphates is vital. While these nutrients occur naturally and support healthy ecosystems in small amounts, elevated levels can result from sewage, domestic and industrial waste, and agricultural run-off.
“This can lead to excessive plant and algal growth, reducing oxygen in the water and harming aquatic life.”
Details of previous surveys can be found at bristolavonriverstrust.org/riverblitz