'I don't want my dog back in there yet'- results are in for Chorley's River Yarrow WaterBlitz test

Over the weekend, a group of Chorley residents tested their local river as part of a nationwide water testing event.

The Great UK WaterBlitz is a biannual campaign calling on everyone across the UK to venture out and test the quality of their local freshwater body.

Chorley resident Helen Mole was inspired to get a team together to test the River Yarrow after various incidents caused her to be concerned about its water quality.

The 65-year-old, who frequently walks her dog Lucy along the river, first became worried last year when she found sanitary towels discarded along its edge.

“I suddenly thought, ‘Oh my God, what is in this water?’”, Helen told us.

The mum of two’s concerns intensified this summer when 12-year-old Lucy developed a nasty antibiotic-resistant infection, which Helen feared could be linked to her swims in the Yarrow.

Although the WaterBlitz test was never going to categorically say if Lucy picked up that bacteria from the river, Helen was satisified that it would at least “show me if there are increased levels of nitrates and phosphates in the water, indicating there's sewage in there potentially.”

The test results are now in and indeed they do show that nitrate levels in the River Yarrow are moderately high, ranging between 1-2 milligrams per liter on a scale of 0.2 to 10.

That level of nitrates can result in poor ecological status according to FreshWaterWatch, with a good level being below 1.

Phosphate levels, however, were low, with less than 0.02 milligrams per liter on a scale of 0.02 to 1.

Any phosphate level below 0.1, such is the case at the River Yarrow, will likely result in good ecology status says FreshWaterWatch.

Reacting to the findings, Helen told us: ”The results show that this stretch of water isn’t in great shape. Nitrate levels are moderately elevated, which is a reminder that even when a river looks clean, there can still be pollution you can’t see. That’s exactly why testing like this matters. Phosphates were low - which did surprise me - but this can fluctuate due to weather, amount of recent sewage discharges and land use.

“It hasn't actually reassured me enough to let Lucy back into the river quite yet - because I still don't know what bacteria is in there - and I really don't want her to get another dose of antibiotic-resistant infection! I see water as our national resource, and hope Chorley people do too - and that they will get involved in testing next time in April.”

Joining Helen for the watertest was of course Lucy, a Labrador/Staffordshire Terrior cross; Lucy’s best friend, a red setter named Morris; and Morris’ owners.

Leader of Chorley Council, Councillor Alistair Bradley and Helen’s local councillor Beverley Murray also helped out at the event.

Councillor Bradley said: “It was great to see residents coming together and getting involved in the Great UK WaterBlitz at the River Yarrow.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have green spaces and natural assets like the River Yarrow here in Chorley, and as a council, we’re committed to caring for them.”

Councillor Murray, who is also the Cabinet Member for Early Intervention, added: “We want to support our communities by helping to keep these spaces healthy, well cared for and places that everyone can enjoy and take pride in.”

“By working together, we can help protect and enhance our local environment for everyone to enjoy.”

Offering their own analysis of the test, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said that the results were within the normal range for the River Yarrow.

At Birkacre the river is currently classified as ‘Good’ status for phosphate under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the result of <0.02m/l would actually sit it in the classification above, ‘High’ status, “indicating an excellent result for this location”, said Defra.

Nitrates meanwhile do not have a specific framework for classification in rivers, but this is an average result according to the government body .

Ahead of the test, a Defra spokesperson had also told us: “We regularly monitor water quality in the River Yarrow and work with partners to improve the health of the river.

"United Utilities are planning a number of investigations and infrastructure improvement projects to reduce pollution and improve water quality in the area, as well as meet Environment Agency standards and minimise harm to the environment.”

You can read more about the work both Defra and United Utilities do in the Chorley area at the bottom of our previous story here.

The Great UK WaterBlitz is repeated every spring and autumn, with thousands of volunteers taking part.

The data gathered at the events is helping to build a national picture of water quality across the UK and evidence changes to freshwater health over time, so that meaningful action can be taken.

WaterBlitz’s full countrywide analysis for last weekend’s event will be out in November.

For Lancashire residents who do want to sign up for the next WaterBlitz test event in April, they can find out more and sign up here.