July along the Wey

A reminder that it is a testing weekend.  Please test between Friday and Monday and don’t forget to upload your results.  The main river is lower, but still fairly full, while some tributaries are well below normal. Expect to see increased or more concentrated levels of nutrients (Nitrates and Phosphates), and keep an eye out for algae blooms feeding on those extra nutrients. The low flow and warmer water can also encourage the persistence of bacteria and E. coli in the water and bottom sediments. So don’t assume the lack of run-off and outflow means fewer bacteria.

On Sunday (26th) at Allee’s Meadow we will be doing our monthly Water Quality Testing and Riverfly invertebrate sampling. It starts at 10am until around midday and you are all welcome to join in and learn the methods. Click here for directions.

We’re at £987 of the £1,250 we need to fully fund a water quality test site in Guildford. That’s most of the way there, and it’s thanks to everyone who has donated so far. A fully funded site means we can test for E.coli, at the site, on a weekly basis and chemistry test monthly. The results will be uploaded to our open platform so anyone can see them and make an informed decision before entering the water. The funding also includes a site sign with a QR code, so getting the results is super easy.

If you would like to donate, please follow this link River Testing – thank you!

We had a great morning in the lab with members of the Tillingbourne hub. It was exactly the kind of session we love, questions flying, and everyone leaving with a much clearer sense of what their data means and why we are all doing this.  I was lucky enough to attend a meeting between two Tillingbourne folks which was held at Shalford Mill, a tough day at the office!

Our mission is to train five new lab leads this year, and we have almost hit our target. So thank you to those who have stepped in. Some volunteers have come in with real expertise, ready to share what they know. Others with curiosity and a willingness to learn. It’s a vital role, and we’re so grateful.

Every Thursday this month, a small crew has gathered in the lab to pack testing kits, and it’s become one of our favourite parts of the week. It’s where a lot of good conversation happens, about water, life, and everything in between. If you’ve wondered what goes on before a kit lands on someone’s doorstep, this is it. You can sign up for a Thursday session through My Impact.

To make sure the data stays as accurate as possible, conductivity meters need calibrating every six to twelve months, and phosphate and nitrate reagents can go out of date. Come and see me in the lab if you need to calibrate or stock up on supplies, for funded or self-funded sites.

If testing isn’t on the cards for you right now, we understand completely. We’ve got volunteers waiting for kits we can’t currently supply, so passing yours along to someone ready to use it could be just the thing. The door’s always open if you want to come back to it later.

To arrange a visit to the Community Lab at Zero Carbon Guildford to restock, recalibrate, or return a kit, email alex@waterrangers.com.