Council launches water quality monitoring project

South Hams District Council said it was "ramping up efforts to tackle water pollution"

A new water monitoring project to help tackle pollution has been launched by a Devon council.

South Hams District Council said it was "ramping up efforts to tackle water pollution" so communities, experts and agencies could better understand what was happening in the area's rivers and estuaries.

The council said the kit - from local marine tech firm Teledyne Valeport - enabled the public to see real-time data on water quality in key areas across the district for the "very first time".

It said the data would be shared publicly via an online dashboard in late 2025.

'Tackle real problems'

The council said it teamed up with like-minded local groups which had been pushing for better river health.

It said from the Yealm to the Avon, Dart, Erme and Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary, community-led river and estuary groups had helped shape the project, including advising on the best locations in which to put the sensors.

Executive member for climate change and biodiversity John McKay said it was a brilliant example of collaboration between communities, researchers and businesses to help "tackle real problems".

He added: "Local groups have been key to shaping this project and now we are giving them, and everyone else, access to real-time water quality data so we can all play a part in protecting our rivers and coastline."

The project has been funded by the government and is being delivered in partnership with Innovative UK, the University of Plymouth and Teledyne Valeport, the council said.

The Environment Agency and local harbourmasters have also supported the project.

Innovation and project manager at Teledyne Valeport Amy Thompson said its sensors were able to provide the kind of real-time insights into water quality that it hopes will tackle water pollution.

She said: "This project is utilising our latest sensors, all designed and manufactured at our Totnes facility.

"It's incredibly rewarding to see our instruments that are used worldwide being applied to such an important local initiative."