Wessex Water Smart Waters Visit Update

As part of W.A.T.E.R.'s ongoing collaboration with Wessex Water, I recently welcomed representatives from the Smart Waters Team to the River Wriggle to discuss the potential installation of advanced water quality monitoring equipment.

Following a detailed site survey, four suitable monitoring locations were identified above and below the Beer Hackett Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO), together with a location near the Thornford Road Wastewater Recycling Centre. Subject to final approval and funding, these monitoring stations are expected to be installed over the next 12–24 months.

The Smart Waters programme aims to provide near real-time monitoring of river conditions, allowing changes in water quality to be detected much more quickly. This will help identify pollution events, monitor the impact of storm overflows, improve understanding of the ecological health of the River Wriggle and support evidence-based decisions on future investment and environmental improvements.

The data collected will also enable Wessex Water and environmental partners to better understand how rainfall, river flows and the sewer network interact, helping to prioritise schemes that reduce clean rainwater entering the combined sewer system. This is a key objective of W.A.T.E.R., as reducing surface water entering the sewers will help reduce sewer surcharging, minimise CSO discharges and improve the long-term resilience of both the sewer network and the River Wriggle.

This visit marks another positive step in the growing partnership between W.A.T.E.R., Wessex Water, the Environment Agency and other local stakeholders, all working together to deliver practical, long-term improvements for our community and environment.

Paul Hollick 

Chair

Wriggle Action Towards Environmental Resilience Group