River Dart water testing programme
By testing for bacteria along the length of the river we are gaining information to share with our community about the Water Quality in the River Dart and to evidence both the need for change and the changes as they happen.
Our River Dart Water testing programme is for E-coli, enterococcus, total coliforms and phosphate in the river water. Bacteria samples are analysed in a lab and are of a comparable standard to sampling done by the Environment Agency and South West Water. We are currently taking weekly samples from ten locations on the Dart.
Phase two of our water testing programme will begin year-round testing from source to sea at multiple sites.
Is it safe to swim in the River Dart ? We believe that by sharing the results of our River Dart Water testing programme river users can make an informed choice of when are where to swim.
We are providing regular evening events to update & inform people about issues around why we are testing, what we are testing & how the results are impacting river pollution. Watch out for events invitations on social media and on the website.
Water Testing results
Please refer to the following pages for results from our testing:
Further results will be uploaded here. You may also download this presentation for more background.
This first set shows our initial testing data for two sites in Totnes. Below the weir and Steamer quay.
Click on the links above for site specific results.
Our phase two source to sea testing programme is due to begin at 31st March 2024.