Water quality reporting
The Environment Agency says the River Trym’s ecological status is “Moderate”. The water quality is variable, sometimes poor, which affects fish and other wildlife. The Trym and Hazel Brook are affected by runoff from roads and carparks, sewage overflows and illegal dumping (eg paint poured down drains by trades people or residents). Improving water quality is a vital aspect of restoring the River Trym and Hazel Brook to health. Go to the Environment Agency report for the Trym.
Any waterbody not meeting “Good” ecological status is classified as failing under the European Union’s Water Framework Directive. The UK Government has stated its aim is that all waterbodies meet “Good” Ecological Status by 2027.
Water quality sampling and reporting makes issues visible to the authorities and to the public. Trout in the Trym members contribute to this important work and we track this via:
Riverfly
The abundance of aquatic invertebrates (eg freshwater shrimps, mayflies) indicates water quality. Samples are taken in the Trym and Hazel Brook by local volunteers. Read the latest information here.
Waterblitz data
Phosphate, nitrate and pollution information is collected by local volunteers and collated by BART (Bristol Avon Rivers Trust). Read the latest information here.
Sewage overflow information
This is collated annually by The Rivers Trust, take a look via this link.
Action we can take
A few simple actions can make a real difference to help our rivers and streams (saving the contact numbers below on your mobile makes this easy).
If you see Sewage/sewage debris in the river/by manhole covers – call Wessex Water on: 0345 600 4 600. Read Wessex Water’s advice on reporting pollution.
If you see other pollution (eg oil, paint), dead fish/fish gasping for air, etc – call the Environment Agency on: 0800 80 70 60. Read the Government’s advice on reporting pollution.
Encourage everyone to only put the 3 Ps (Pee, Poo or Paper) down the toilet. Everything else, such as wet wipes, leads to blocked pipes and sewage in our rivers and the sea. Never dispose of paint, oil or chemicals down a drain. If you employ a builder or painter, ask them to dispose of any waste responsibly.
Read this helpful guide to identifying and reporting pollution in Bristol streams.
Latest water quality posts
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A salutary report
A report from the Environment Agency suggests the brown trout risks being wiped out in large parts of England within decades.
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Riverfly monitoring shows positive trends
Riverfly monitoring in our rivers and streams shows positive trends over the last few years.
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Take action to save our eels
Please help stop the export of baby eels from UK to Russia by signing a petition.