Water companies have released new maps showing near real-time storm discharge activity.
Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) maps show, largely, when combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are discharging into a watercourse.
They also record the date, time and duration of the last recorded discharge.
Paddle UK and its partners have been calling for better ‘real time data' to help our communities make better decisions about when and where to enjoy the water.
Click here to find our latest guidance about water quality >>
Head of Access and Environment at Paddle UK, Ben Seal said:
“Water quality and pollution is the biggest concern for all users of blue space.
“We’re all on the front line of poor water quality and potentially risking our health while doing the things we love.
“The new EDM maps are welcome. We have been calling for real time data as a priority.
“While it does not fix the problem, the maps will help our community make more informed choices.
“The more data that becomes available, the greater the concern from our members, clubs and providers.
“Sewage in our waters is unacceptable, however, we know there is no quick fix solution.
“We need to remember that our rivers are still amazing, beautiful and inspiring places. We must not stop enjoying and caring for these precious blue spaces.”
Paddle UK is part of the End Sewage Pollution Coalition calling for an end to sewage discharge into our waters.
We also joined six other national governing bodies calling for clean open water for people to enjoy what they love.
The Clean Water Sports Alliance are asking for healthy and nature-rich blue spaces for everyone to enjoy.
How Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) work
Event duration monitors use sensors to monitor the level of flow in a tank or sewer. They are installed on storm overflows.
The sensor triggers an alert when a certain level is reached, indicating a storm discharge is happening.
Importantly, EDM monitors measure the start and end time of any flow. They do not measure the volume of the flow itself.
EDMs give a valuable insight to how storm overflows are working, however the monitoring equipment is sensitive and can have glitches.
Therefore an EDM doesn’t confirm discharges, it only indicates them because the data received might not always be accurate.
Links to each of the maps can be found below:
South West Watern (TBA)
Southern Water (TBA)
*Severn Trent consulted with Paddle UK during the development of its map. The firm included Paddle UK and Swim England on its Get River Positive Panel.