Angling Trust WQMN

Overview: The Water Quality Monitoring Network is formed of angling clubs, anglers and trained volunteers who undertake regular, structured water quality monitoring across England and Wales. Each volunteer is allocated one or more sampling sites and collects data on a consistent monthly schedule. The network aims to harness the passion and local knowledge of anglers to build a strong, long‑term dataset that reveals trends, highlights pollution incidents, and informs campaigns and decision‑making around freshwater health and restoration. The methodology is based on a proven framework originally developed with support from Cardiff University and the Wye Catchment Partnership. What is being measured (including unit information) Chemical parameters: * Phosphate (PO₄³⁻) – ppm (mg/L) using Hanna Phosphate Checker. * Nitrate (NO₃⁻) – ppm (via Hach test strips). * Ammonia (NH₃/NH₄⁺) – ppm (Hanna Ammonia Checker, selected sites only). * Electrical Conductivity – µS/cm (indicator of total dissolved solids). * Temperature – °C (via EC‑3 probe). Physical & observational parameters: * Water level – categorical (High / Normal / Low). * River flow – categorical (Above Average / Average / Below Average). * Weather conditions – categorical (e.g., Cloudy, Rain, Sunny). * Rain in the last 24h – Yes/No. * Presence of algal blooms – Yes/No. * Presence of visible pollution – Yes/No. * General observations and notes – free text. Location data Recorded automatically in Epicollect5 on‑site: * Latitude / Longitude * Accuracy of reading * UTM Easting & Northing * UTM Zone Training Volunteers receive structured training via: Written guidance in the official Volunteer Pack Demonstrations of sampling procedures Tutorials on using the monitoring kit and interpretation of results Guidance on safe access, risk assessment, and use of Epicollect5 for data capture Training is reinforced through ongoing communication from local coordinators and the Angling Trust. [Water-Qual...18.08.2023 | PDF] Methods and Equipment Used Monitoring follows a standardised methodology requiring volunteers to: Collect samples from safe, consistent, free‑flowing river locations Triple‑rinse sampling equipment with river water before testing Avoid disturbing sediment to protect sample integrity Conduct tests immediately after sampling to avoid degradation Core equipment includes: HM Digital EC‑3 Electrical Conductivity & Temperature Probe Hanna Phosphate Checker + reagents Hach Nitrate Test Strips Hanna Ammonia Checker (selected sites only) Sampling vessel, syringe, gloves, towels, mobile device for Epicollect5 Quality Assurance Processes: Quality assurance is built into the programme through: Standardised testing methods and equipment Monthly repeated sampling at fixed locations Volunteers recording data in Epicollect5 with geolocation Location and measurement checks by group coordinators Comparison of new readings to previous values for anomaly detection Review of unusual or extreme results Clear instructions to avoid contamination, sampling errors and mis‑readings Timescale The Water Quality Monitoring Network is ongoing. Volunteers are expected to sample at least once per month at each assigned location, with the programme operating continuously to build a long‑term dataset and track water quality trends over time.