Citizen Science Carmarthen Style.

A well-attended meeting at Sero on May 7th heard a report about the Tywi river. The diverse background of attendees from the community is evidence that declining water quality is a hot topic and a serious concern.

At the initiative of Carmarthen Riverside Association supported by Carmarthen Together, twenty five concerned citizens have been testing water quality at different locations along the lower Tywi catchment area from Llansteffan to Llandeilo between February and April.
The meeting was convened to share their data about what was found in our waterways. Dr Alissa Flatley of UWTSD, who has been advising the group, expressed concern at the findings.

“Over 225 water samples were tested over the course of the pilot project, and most show elevated levels of phosphates, nitrates and nitrites, exceeding limits for a healthy river system. Using the expertise of the citizen scientists, tests were carried out to highlight areas of concern in the catchment, and we can see already significant changes in the water quality from upstream to downstream. This can now be expanded upon in the next phase of the project to further isolate areas of concern helping to produce evidence beyond that of the limited Water Framework Directive testing that occurs”.

Dr Flatley added, “Whilst the data shows us elevated nitrates, nitrites and phosphates, the additional photographs and videos that have been collected really show a river system in decline and the pervasive discharge of rubbish into the river system”

Julie Rees of the Carmarthen Coracle & Netsmen’s Association spoke of the frustration facing the fishermen as year after year they continue to witness and report pollution incidents that are either ignored or actioned too late, when the spillage has left the river system.

Tim Prince of Carmarthen Together compared the testing to a roadside breathalyser, where if you fail, you are subjected to a more scrutinized test back at the station. Simple citizen science testing has provided a snapshot of the condition of the water which relevant authorities need to take seriously.

The group will not be resting on their laurels. David Jenkins at Sero, who has been coordinating the pilot project, expressed his gratitude to the committed volunteers who are regularly visiting our rivers to monitor water quality on behalf of the community. He outlined plans to extend testing to the whole of the Tywi catchment, and add to the range of testing techniques deployed to date. “The mood in this meeting was pretty clear. This community led campaign intends to clean up our beautiful Tywi.”