Water and Plasticblitz

What is a Waterblitz? An international scheme to monitor water quality all along the various waterbodies, celebrating National Rivers Week. Find information here. The Thames Waterblitz has been running since 2019 and is looking to have it's strongest year yet this September. Read the full 2021 report here. We test nutrient levels (nitrates and phosphates) in the waterways, which are indicators of pollution. Freshwater naturally has low levels of nutrients; higher levels indicate fertiliser runoff from agriculture, sewage or waste pollution. By detecting levels across the Thames, we can help make our River Thames cleaner and healthier for us and the ecosystem.

What is a Plasticblitz? This is awesome initiative is run by Thames21: the aim being to host big litterpicks along our Thames and its waterways. Plastic waste in our rivers threatens wildlife by entanglement and ingestion. Large pieces of plastic will then break down into smaller pieces which are difficult to remove from the environment. Find out more here. We'll also be taking part. As well as collecting all litter along the stretch, our results will be submitted to Thames21, who will analyse the metadata from across the River Thames, to indicate what main types of waste we find, and promote better plastics regulations. The fantastic Keep Cookham Tidy and Eton Wick Waterways are also taking part in the Blitzes within the Borough.

What is The Royal Borough doing? A Waterblitz and Plasticblitz took place on 17th September along the Maidenhead Cut. We measured pollutant levels and collected 6 bags of litter. Thanks to everyone who helped!

Click here to see the Leaderboard from all those taking part in the Thames21 Plasticblitz!