Crowdfunder launched to tackle sewage pollution in Devon river
Friends of the Dart want to add more test sites to a year-round water quality testing programme
Last updated 22nd Aug 2024
A grassroots group is aiming to clean-up a Devon river.
Friends of the Dart have launched a Crowdfunder, with the objective of "eradicating sewage pollution in the River Dart".
The water in the Dart is tested from May to September by the Environment Agency.
The community interest company are hoping to raise £30,000, which will go towards adding a further three test sites and to carry out weekly tests year round.
Nicky Rajska, from Friends of the Dart, said: "From source to sea, we've got numerous points along the Dart where we test weekly for bacteria found in sewage at the moment, but we will be extending the tests to include pharmaceuticals, genetic testing and plastics.
"This all started because some swimmers were reporting illness and we wanted to know what was going on. Sadly, we found quite high levels of E.coli and enterococci along the Dart.
"We conducted a survey and over 7,500 people talked about how important the river was for their mental health, for their wellbeing, for their exercise, for their enjoyment in nature."
Additional funds will be used for the creation of an app that will facilitate the sharing of test results and the reporting of pollution and sickness, a River Ambassadors Programme, a River Fly survey, Guided River Walks and a social media campaign.