This is the 11th month of water testing. The 20 or so volunteers tested their usual sites for nitrates, phosphates and turbidity. Others did further tests using equipment we call yellow boxes. Aldershot Park and Cove Brook were also sampled for River Fly which gives an indication of the health of the river.

Early this month we received an award from the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust for our volunteering endeavors. The trust are very supportive of BVaR.

Cove Brook

The nitrate and phosphate testing for Cove Brook indicates good health however the fly testing that was completed at 3 sites close to each other on Cove Brook “we only found shrimp, 1 fish, worms and what looked like under water mites. Indicating its in poor biological health. But for more regular testing is needed to confirm this”.

Blackwater River

“Results for Sandhurst Sewage works. Outfall discharging, foam, brown sludge near out fall and green slime extending from it.”

Volunteers at Aldershot Park also did river fly testing. Aldershot Park is situated upstream from any sewage works.

The Hart

The good news for the River Hart is that the Village Pond now has water in it and looks lovely for this.

The Whitewater

The Whitewater is a chalk stream and does not have and Sewage Treatment Works on its course however it is used for water extraction and also has to deal with run off from roads and anything that comes its way from agricultural practice and outlets. The good news it that the rights of the river application is in process for the Whitewater. This is supported by Hart District Council and together with the support of the local MP Alex Brewer. This may very well happen. Good for the Whitewater the community and the wildlife associated with it.