Making a Splash! Water Testing on the River Wey
5
The Pitch
Problem statement
Can you think of any environmental or climate risk that isn’t somehow connected to water? We can’t. Water is the blood that feeds all ecosystems. From the tiniest creek to the biggest river, England is a network of waterways. Yet, average citizens do not realize how their livelihood is connected with their watershed. Even when they learn about beaches closing or fish dying, they do not feel there is anything they can or should do. We strongly believe that all people, no matter their education or income level have the right to participate in environmental stewardship and freshwater conservation. We know that people want to help and we want to provide them with the tools to do so.
Solution
ZERO (in partnership with the River Wey Trust, Water Rangers, and FreshwaterWatch) will establish an inclusive water monitoring program that equips volunteers with water quality monitoring equipment for monthly water monitoring around Guildford. We'll also host water testing excursions and educational events. We'll be testing for basic water chemistry parameters that give us results in the field right away (temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, water clarity, phosphates, nitrates), helping the community understand the unique characteristics of water bodies. Action-oriented and proactive activities will help youth feel empowered to grow their science and community skills!
Why are we best placed to deliver?
ZERO is a community-led space in Guildford town centre, built to support community action on climate. This water testing program is a perfect example of a project we champion! This project, spearheaded by one of our volunteers and supported by expert partners, is a low barrier entry-point for those new to water stewardship while at the same time producing water quality data and getting volunteers outside, growing their love for the river. Volunteers will gather at the ZERO centre, go water testing, and return to the centre to debrief and learn from experts. School groups can visit the centre, hear from special guests, and then go to the river!
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Freshwater Watch nutrient testing program for 20 locations, including data entry set-up fee | £900 |
| 2 Water Rangers Education Testkits @ £350/each | £700 |
| 5 Water Rangers Compact Testkits @ £80/each | £400 |
Beneficiaries
600 people
Expected impact
500 youth trained in water monitoring (90% have never tested before) 100 adults inspired by events, learning new things (20% who agree to participate in monthly testing) 100 recorded water quality observations in 20 locations around Guildford, creating trendlines for long-term water monitoring efforts 50,000 reach on social media (us and our partners combined) 90% of participants feel confident in understanding their local waterbody 80% commit to visiting the river more often (you protect what you love!) 80% participate in other water stewardship activities we organize (shoreline clean-ups, etc) 1 impact report, outline community stories, metrics and impacts (shared widely)
Track record
ZERO and our project partners have all run successful events and programs and the space is setup to host events. Water Rangers has trained over 9,000 youth in water monitoring and helps run more than 50 community programs, in conjunction with water and behaviour change experts. Freshwater Watch has run programs with thousands of volunteers, and their data is used by hundreds of scientists. The River Wey Trust has long-term knowledge and partnerships in the river's watershed and will help guide sampling locations. We also have dozens of environmental partners in the Guildford area, supporting efforts like this and amplifying its efforts!