VOLUNTEERS are helping a Stroud conservation charity to monitor water pollution in local rivers.

The Stroud Valleys Project (SVP) is testing waterways for nitrate and phosphate levels as part of a nationwide scheme organised by the Earthwatch Europe Institute to raise awareness of water pollution and involve the public in tracking it.

Fred Miller, who manages habitats for SVP, said: "The project involves testing rivers and streams for nitrate and phosphate levels.

"We're testing levels in the River Frome at Capel's Mill in Stroud and at Lynch Rhyne in Berkeley.

"It's all part of a citizen science scheme organised by the Earthwatch Europe Institute, which aims to highlight water pollution such as sewage in our rivers, and to engage the public in monitoring it."

SVP volunteers used kits from Earthwatch to assess the concentration of nitrate and phosphate, two molecules that can indicate agricultural fertiliser or sewage in the water.

Results showed moderate to high nitrate levels in the River Frome and moderate to high phosphate levels in the Lynch Rhyne.

Mr Miller said that SVP's waterway monitoring goes beyond this project.

At Capel's Mill, there is regular sampling of the populations of Mayflies, Stoneflies and Caddisflies, the larvae of which all live in the river, in collaboration with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

He said: "These species are sensitive to pollution, so they're useful indicators of biological health.

"If their numbers drop below a certain level, we know there are problems - a bit like the proverbial canary in the coal mine."

Mr Miller described a recent pollution incident in Stroud.

He said: "This summer there really was a problem.

"Just 50 metres downstream from the public footbridge at Capel's Mill, a drainage pipe was pouring sewage into the river Frome.

"It took months of reporting it repeatedly to the Environment Agency and the water company, Severn Trent, by residents, by ourselves, and by the Rodborough county councillor, before this was remedied in August.

"It was first reported in October 2024, and it may have been like this for any length of time before it was identified."

Mr Miller said Severn Trent excavated the relevant pipes in Rodborough Field, which seems to have resolved the issue.

"Which is a success for citizen action," he said,

To report a sewage leak, visit the Severn Trent website or call the Environment Agency on 0300 065 3000.