The Devon local authority will begin detecting and assessing changes in supplies and bodies that could signal pollution events.
With sewage discharge and run-off now one of the most common and damaging environmental threats in Britain, South Hams District Council is looking to a leading UK oceanographic and hydrographic company for help.
Teledyne Valeport will provide miniCT, pH, and Hyperion optical sensors for a project involving a number of key rivers within the authority’s jurisdiction. This should mean experts and agencies can make faster, evidence-based decisions in a bid to mitigate water pollution events.
‘At a time when concerns about water quality have understandably come to the forefront, we’re pleased to be working alongside South Hams District Council on this project,’ said Amy Thompson, Teledyne Valeport Innovation & Product Manager.
‘Our sensors have the ability to provide the kind of real-time insights into water quality that we hope will enable decisions around tackling water pollution that benefit both the environment and the local communities,’ she continued. ‘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.’
In addition to money from South Hams District Council, central government has contributed financial support. A number of community organisations based in the area are partnering on the scheme, including rivers groups. A team at the University of Plymouth is also involved.
‘This is a brilliant example of what can happen when communities, researchers and businesses join forces to tackle real problems,’ said Cllr John McKay, Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, at South Hams District Council. ‘Local groups have been key to shaping this project – and now we’re 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.’
Image: Valentin Walter / Unsplash
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