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The 28-day challenge tested water quality every 5km during a 642km relay that started in Surrey on September 11 and finished in Cumbria on October 8.
A remarkable 420 water quality readings were gathered and documented in Planet Patrol’s cutting-edge app, giving a near real-time view into water health across the country.
The data revealed a staggering 83% of waterways tested showed evidence of sewage pollution, surpassing the established threshold levels of coliform bacteria deemed safe for human bathing.
Results also showed 74% of the testing sites failed to meet current phosphate standards, with alarming rates observed in the River Thames (93% failure rate) and the River Wey (88% failure rate).
Additionally, elevated levels of nitrates were recorded at 42% of the sites. Nitrates and phosphates, common forms of nutrient pollution stemming from wastewater treatment, sewage, and agriculture, pose severe threats to aquatic environments. These pollutants can contribute to harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion in the water, posing risks to both biodiversity and public health
41.7%
of Nitrates tests failed
75%
of Phosphate tests were above safe limits
22%
of pH readings outside tolerable range
Our volunteer community scientists scrutinized five water quality parameters, including coliform bacteria, phosphates, pH, nitrites and nitrates, creating a comprehensive map of water quality across the UK.
Explore the image gallery to see each of the results plotted along the route on the map.
For an in-depth look at the results, dive into our latest blog post.
Swipe to view maps, or click the arrows
We’ve taken matters into our own hands. Get involved with the UK’s largest and most comprehensive water quality testing programme.
Planet Patrol has been working hard to develop a scientifically robust testing programme to address the lack of data available on water quality across the UK.
You don’t need a scientific background. Your involvement will give us the insights needed to push for more ambitious standards for water quality across the UK.
Interested in reading our 2022 water testing pilot study, What Lies Beneath? Click here
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