Tests could lead to swim status
Tests are being carried out on the water in the River Avon to determine if it is safe to swim in Warleigh Weir.
Water samples are being taken between the weir and Melksham as well as its upstream tributaries as part of an effort to examine the water quality.
If the tests are successful Warleigh Weir could become the UK’S first river spot to achieve designated bathing water status.
Due to Covid-19 guidance heightened precautionary measures were taken, including staff wearing masks, regular sanitation, and strict social distancing guidelines.
The Rivers Trust with Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, Wessex Water, Sewage Free Swimmers and the Environment Agency took part in the intensive monitoring on Tuesday, September 15, as well as a training day.
Volunteers and staff from the groups took 22 water samples which will be processed at a local laboratory and assessed by Ucas-accredited analysts.
River water quality can be affected by a number of factors, with water companies having an influence along with agriculture, nearby septic tanks, sewer misuse and road drainage.
Warleigh Weir has long been a wellknown river spot popular with wild swimmers and paddlers.
The landowner, Johnny Palmer, makes the site accessible to the public for people to connect with nature, but concerns remain about the health risks of swimming in open rivers.
He said: “This first testing day is a good start, but it is just a start. We have a lot of work to do to clean up Britain’s waterways.
“I purchased the island at Warleigh Weir to encourage sustainable and responsible use of the countryside.
“Having raw sewage flowing into our rivers undermines this vision so we set up Sewage Free Swimmers to help other sites make their waterways safer to swim in.”
As recreational river use has become increasingly popular in recent months, there is concern that members of the public could be swimming, fishing or paddling in water polluted with human waste.
Ruth Barden, director of catchment and environmental strategy at Wessex Water, said: “We’re really pleased to be taking part in this monitoring day, which we hope will provide a vital snapshot of current water quality.
“We support efforts to make Warleigh Weir designated bathing water but this will only be possible with collaboration and a better understanding of what affects water quality in the catchment.”