North Wales Rivers Trust Launches Lab DWr Initiative
Lab Dwr Initiative – Progress Update
A few months ago, we proudly launched Lab Dwr, our citizen science initiative aimed at enhancing the understanding of freshwater ecosystems across North Wales. Since then, we’ve been gathering monthly data and starting to paint a picture of the health of our rivers, using a range of scientific tests to assess water quality.
River Ambassadors are our Lab Dwr volunteers who play a vital role in safeguarding river health by regularly monitoring for pollution, blockages, invasive species, and changes in water quality. They also conduct monthly water sampling for key indicators such as phosphates and nitrates, helping to detect nutrient imbalances and potential pollution sources. As the “eyes on the ground” across the catchment, they can provide real-time data and early warnings of emerging threats, enabling timely interventions and reporting to the relevant bodies.
Having a local presence and consistent monitoring are essential for protecting aquatic ecosystems, ensuring swift action to maintain healthy, thriving waterways.
The Lab Dwr initiative is a scheme that the North Wales Rivers Trust are keen to build on and improve with experience and the data collected.
So even if you don’t have fancy equipment for testing, there’s still plenty you can do to help your local river! Joining a clean-up day or taking part in one of our volunteer events is a great way to make a difference. By getting involved, you’ll play a hands-on role in protecting your local waterway. If you're interested, simply get in touch by emailing poppy@northwalesriverstrust.org to find out how you can participate.
If you spot any signs of pollution, like unusual water discoloration, strong odours, or dead fish, it’s important to act quickly. You can report pollution incidents directly to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) by calling their 24-hour incident hotline at 0300 065 3000. Early reporting helps prevent further harm to our rivers, ensuring that swift action can be taken to protect these precious ecosystems.
