WSA – E-COLI SAMPLING PROJECT
WSA – E-COLI SAMPLING PROJECT The river Wye is used by many recreational activity groups and those activities bring people into direct contact with the river water. As part of the work carried out by the Cardiff University Citizen Science Project and the wider media and public interest in the water quality of the Wye the issue of the release of human sewage into the river has been highlighted. One of the potential associated problems of such sewage releases is the presence of E. coli bacteria in the water. Morgan Jones carried out an examination of E. coli levels at Monmouth Sewage Treatment Works that raised a cause for concern with levels below the STW of 4 times the recommended levels for bathing water. Morgan recommended professional lab testing over larger ranges as a potential future course of action to highlight the issue.
Morgan’s full report can be accessed here:
https://www.wyesalmon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Dwr-Cymru-Meeting-Notes-v2.pdf
The project now proposes to expand on Morgan’s work by carrying out regular water sampling. The samples will be sent for professional laboratory testing to obtain a scientifically validated result
The aim of this aspect of the Water Quality project will be to assess by regular laboratory tests the levels of E coli bacteria in water samples taken from the river Wye. The results will be compared to recommended levels of E. coli for bathing water. Initially the testing of the samples will be carried out by submission of any relevant water samples
to the ALS Laboratory in Coventry. Methodology used in the sampling process will be completed in line with instructions from the laboratory to which the samples will subsequently be sent for analysis. The projected budget will be 4 x £442 plus £100 for expenses. A total of £1868. Samples will be taken four times during the year to correspond with the seasons of the year (March , June , September and December ) to give an initial over-view of the results. Location for the samples will be: Above and below the STW at Monmouth , and Above and below the STW at Ross on Wye. Results of analysis will act as a reference point that could be used in reporting of water quality issues to either NRW or the EA and may support or potentially negate perceived information on the safety of the Wye water for its recreational users. The findings may also support further sampling activity by the WSA or other interested parties.