Deben Climate Centre and the University of Suffolk Launch Remote Water Testing Module on River Deben

As a result of recent significant sewage releases in the River Deben, Deben Climate Centre (DCC) and the University of Suffolk (UoS) have collaborated to install a remote testing machine at a secret location on the Deben.

WATR module installation at a secret spot on the River Deben, from left to right: Eamonn O’Nolan (DCC), David Findley (DCC), Stephen Hook (WATR Tech Ltd.), Dr Hannah Steventon (UoS).

The WATR machine will monitor several pollution measures and report to our data centre at 30-minute intervals via mobile comms. This will give us immediate reports detailing significant changes in water condition, enabling our Citizen Scientists to collect samples as the event occurs.

DCC and UoS have worked together for more than three years, investigating and monitoring the worsening condition of the River Deben, particularly monitoring E.coli levels as these can be dangerous to those using the river, as well as being indicators of wider problems.

"We are excited that this remote WATR sensor is being installed in the River Deben. It will measure in real time several key water quality indicators such as dissolved oxygen, nitrates and electrical conductivity, allowing us to get early warning of potential incidents” – David Findley, Deben Climate Centre

Find the results from the WATR sensor in our regular water quality testing updates.