Scientists urge further testing after metal pollution found in Corby rivers
Further analysis of water in the town is needed to protect wildlife, says environmental charity
A new environmental report has uncovered metal pollution across multiple freshwater sites in Corby, raising concerns about the health of local waterways and aquatic life.
Environmental charity Earthwatch partnered with 35 trained volunteers from the Corby community to test 59 freshwater sites in November 2025. Water samples were analysed for 33 elements, including 29 metals and metalloids, using a combination of low-cost citizen science kits and laboratory testing.
Dr Sasha Woods Director of Science and Impact at Earthwatch said: ''The citizen scientists were absolutely crucial in this entire investigation because they knew the sites of interest, they knew the freshwater bodies that they wanted to investigate and at which points they wanted to assess metal pollution.''
Dr Woods explained that the study offers a ''powerful snapshot'' but was conducted on a single wet day during November, more testing is required across different seasons to understand long-term trends.
Dr Woods explained: ''For example, testing in summer would be very informative. When we tested, it was a very wet day.
''What this means is that we're not sure, for certain, if the pollution was entering the rivers, from water running off of roads, or leeching from landfill sites. If you repeat the study in the summer and you're still seeing these high concentrations when there isn't rainfall, then you know that it's probably leeching from landfill rather than running off of roads.''
Earthwatch has shared the report to the Environment Agency, who welcomed the initiate. Dr Woods said: They Environment Agency very much welcomed the work that we had carried out. And they recognise that citizen science is a valuable contribution and helps to identify and prioritise action. Also that they will study the findings of the report and support and advise North Northamptonshire Council on the next steps.''
Dr Woods expressed that Corby is now leading the way in citizen-led metal testing in the UK, setting an example for other post-industrial towns. Woods says that while comparisons with other regions are not yet possible, Earthwatch stresses that this is exactly why more communities should take action to investigate their freshwater quality.
She added: ''I would encourage the residents of Corby to continue engaging with their local council, the MP, their environment agency, area representative, to ensure that we can continue monitoring and assessing the situation moving forward.''