Measuring water quality – you now have unlimited access to the results

February 23, 2012

Over the last two decades water quality has improved significantly thanks to the efforts of the water industry, environment agency and other interested organisations.  Many of the major sources of pollution that affect our waterways in the UK have been eliminated and now processes are in place to change the way the quality of the water is monitored to ensure new pollutants are checked and the health of the public, wildlife and the environment is protected.

In the past water quality was tested in terms of the chemistry, biology and nutrients it contained which successfully dealt with pollutants such as discharges from sewage treatment works but now a more sophisticated way of assessing the whole water environment is used which directs action to where it’s most needed.

This has resulted in substantial improvements in river water quality with 72% of English rivers classed as excellent or good in 2008, up from 55% in 1990 and 88% of Welsh rivers compared with 79% in 1990.

The really good news is anyone can find out the quality of the water from rivers, the bathing water quality and river basins in their area under the ‘What’s in your backyard?’ initiative of the Environment Agency. Interactive maps link you to 21 different environmental factors and you just click on the topic that interests you to find out what’s happening in your area by drilling down to your immediate location. An advanced search is also available where you can compare statistics going back several years.

UK water quality standards are based on the EU Water Framework Directive plus a recent suite of water quality standards based on EU requirements has been developed that are applicable throughout the UK. Statutory water quality objectives and a classification system of water quality management for England and Wales is in place in addition to specific river quality objectives which address the specific local needs that apply to English and Welsh waters. They set out the chemical quality required in rivers before they can be relied upon for recreation, conservation and water supply. Water quality meters sample the water to check it complies.

In addition a target to improve and support fish life within rivers is in place which is why we hear of rivers been aerated and fish stocks moved whenever there is a pollution scare or the potential of a drought that may affect fish stocks.

The Environment Agency is primarily responsible for maintaining and improving the quality of fresh, marine, surface and underground waters in England and Wales and in terms of drinking water quality, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is the relevant body that regulates and monitors the quality of drinking water in England and Wales. The Water Industry Act 1991 requires local authorities to keep themselves informed about the quality and quantity of water supplies provided to premises within their area.

All these authorities will become more relevant if the predicted drought in the UK comes to fruition and with hose pipe bans predicted next month it won’t just be the quality of the water under scrutiny but also consistency of supply. So if we don’t get heavy and prolonged rain before April 2012 – the outlook is a bit glum!