As promised, here are the water testing results for the past year. There are a couple of anomalous readings, but they are more likely to be errors than indications of serious problems. Nonetheless, if they recur, we'll investigate further. Do read the Key on the second sheet if you want an explanation of the significance of the readings.
You may be aware that we have the invaluable services of an entomologist who periodically samples the insect life in the river. The results have been generally good, though the numbers and types of invertebrates vary with the season and location. This year, below the footbridge, we've seen good numbers of caseless caddis all year, and in the summer, good counts of olives and BWOs. Similar results were recorded at Stonebridge (Beat 3a), and Smallbridge (Beat 1) had very high caseless caddis levels, but few olives etc.
The latest sampling has suggested a dropoff in insect life lower down on Beat 3c, and there have been anecdotal reports of a lack of fish in that stretch recently. As a consequence, we will be doing extra water quality testing there, and if necessary we'll investigate potential causes with a view to possibly reporting this to the authorities.
I'll keep you posted if this amounts to anything, but note that the testing further up the river is still normal, and the Horsmonden Water Treatment Works (Outfall) is not implicated.
Cheers
PeterB
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