The UK WaterBlitz is a national biannual event when volunteers test the nutrient levels their local waterbodies. Both phosphates and nitrates are assessed. These nutrients are essential for all plants and animals but when excessive amounts reach our water courses they can damage aquatic life. The rapid growth of algae reduces light levels and amount of oxygen available to animals from trout to shrimp and mayflies.
Results for the Sid valley and Streams to the East in April 2025
12 volunteers monitored in the Sid valley, Salcombe Regis Stream and Weston Combe. Maps and data for Sept ‘24 and April ‘25 are shown below. Some monitoring sites remained the same but additional sites were added in 2025.
Low and moderate nutrient levels were the norm in the area with high nutrients found in lower Burscombe Brook, the Woolbrook at Stowford and Knowle Stream which emerges in an open culvert in Cotmaton Road. Sources of this nutrient pollution need to be identified. Burscombe Brook and
Woolbrook add nutrients to the Sid and when water levels were low last summer nutrients became concentrated resulting in excessive algal growth in the lower reaches of the Sid.
National results can be found on the Great UK WaterBlitz website.
The full Sid Valley Catchment Results are below. Scroll the image or download the file from the link below it.
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