Pollution from sewage discharges, agricultural run-off, road run-off and chemicals threaten freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater species are going extinct more rapidly than terrestrial or marine species globally. Almost one-third of freshwater biodiversity faces extinction worldwide.

Between 2013 and 2019 the number of water quality samples taken by the Environment Agency fell by 45% and the number of sampling points reduced by nearly 40%. Lack of monitoring means not all reported pollution incidents are investigated and we lack vital data about threats to our waters. We just don’t know enough about what is happening and how we can protect our freshwater habitats.

That’s why Planet Patrol started the most comprehensive water quality testing programme of its kind across the UK, inviting volunteers to help us capture important data on contaminants polluting our waterways so we have the evidence to create more accountability, improve and monitor legislation and help restore the quality of our waterways.