New Project to Monitor Water Quality at Ludlow Bathing Spot

A new project launched today (February 21) to improve water quality monitoring at a popular Ludlow swimming spot. The Environment Agency, with funding from the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region, has installed high-tech sensors to track bacteria levels, including E.coli, every day.

Previously, water quality was checked manually once a week. This £25,000 trial will now provide daily remote readings, giving swimmers more up-to-date information about the water. The sensors will also collect rainfall and other environmental data to help experts understand what affects bacteria levels.

The Mayor of Ludlow was pleased to attend today’s launch event, welcoming the project as a positive step for water safety and the local community. "Ludlow Town Council are delighted that our town has been chosen for this pilot scheme. The extra data collected will increase the Environment Agencies understanding of what’s happening in our river.   

I hope the scheme continues after the initial two month period.  It was very interesting to find out about the mechanisms of the water testing at the launch event, and we look forward to the installation of signage at the Linney Riverside Park with a QR code linked to publicly accessible information very soon". 

Shropshire Council’s Ian Nellins said: “With the rise in wild swimming, this is an important step in helping people make informed decisions about when and where to swim.”

The project is supported by the EA National Water Quality Instrumentation Service

Read the full article