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The Future of Water Quality Data

Friday, August 31, 2018

World Water Monitoring Day (now known as EarthEcho Water Challenge) is coming up on September 18th and droves of citizen scientists across the globe will head out to local waters to gain a snapshot of their water quality. If you are reading this blog, you may be one of the thousands of staff, volunteers, students, or researchers across the country who participate in World Water Monitoring Day or regularly monitor local streams, rivers, lakes, docks, or beaches.

Time-lapse map of river levels during the English summer heatwave

Thursday, August 30, 2018

In April 81 mm of rain fell across England, 45 per cent higher than the long-term average with eastern England getting most rain relative to usual patterns. This led to many rivers being much fuller than they usually are for the time of year.

However, in June just 15 mm of rain fell across the country - 75 per cent less than usual. The South East saw just three mm of rain throughout the whole of last month - 95 per cent down on the long-term average.

Removing tens of thousands of obsolete dams in Europe will bring life back to rivers, says new report

Friday, July 20, 2018

With only 40 percent of Europe’s waterways in good condition, a new study published today calls for tens of thousands of redundant dams and other barriers to be removed to help restore rivers and lakes – boosting wildlife populations and benefiting communities across the continent. A new initiative called Dam Removal Europe aims to start an era of dam removal.

European Waters - status and pressures

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

A new European Environment Agency (EEA) report published this week found that around 40% of monitored rivers, lakes, transitional waters and coastal waters are currently in good ecological status, while only 38% are in good chemical status. 9% of natural rivers are classified as being in high ecological status. The most commonly reported pressure related to ecological status concerns hydromorphological pressures affecting over 40% of surface water bodies. The report includes important statements and conclusions supporting the WFD and recommends better implementation.

WTT Conservation Awards 2018

Friday, June 29, 2018

WTT Conservation Awards 2018 – Closing Date for Submissions Draws Near!

The WTT Conservation Awards 2018 seek to recognise river improvement projects at all scales, from the huge to the end-of-garden stuff; more information, including a simple application form HERE. We’ll follow your application with an informal phone discussion with our judges, before a special and great fun Awards’ evening in London on 17th October 2018.

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