The project, led by Dr. Jessica Kevill, who’s an Environmental Virologist at Îá°®³Ô¹Ï, has brought together community members over the past year to monitor water quality and sewage discharge along the River Conwy. Their collective efforts are now beginning to reveal a clearer picture of the river’s health and what these means to public health.
At the event, attendees explored the data – gaining insights into the first results on water quality and sewage discharge. They also heard from the team – with project leader Dr Jessica Kevill and researchers explaining what the findings mean for the future of the river. Researchers explained the next steps with new opportunities and encouraged volunteers and residents to remain actively involved in monitoring and sampling.
Understanding the health of a river from an ecological and chemical perspective isn't enough to protect public health. This project provides a much needed investigation into pathogens present in the river, that can make us sick. These results will be used to improve a water quality model. This wouldn't have been possible without the help of our volunteers and the support of Welsh Water, and we are very thankful to them.
Our river is part of our community; it runs straight through the heart of us. We share a relationship where it's health impacts upon us and our health impacts upon the river. The research that Jessica, her research team and our Citizen Scientists have created, show how monitoring rivers is vital to maintaining and protecting both, ecological health and human health.
We have all been on a learning journey that’s really practically based. We've developed new skills, and through our engagement and involvement in this project, we feel like our voices have finally been heard. Our scientific, academic and community collaboration is really encouraging for best practice in the future, as it is all of our responsibilities to care for our environment and we need joined-up thinking and action.
The event concluded with thanks to all contributors and an invitation for more residents to join in ongoing citizen science efforts.
For more information on how to get involved, please contact:
ðŸÂ§&²Ô²ú²õ±è;waterwales@bangor.ac.uk
