2.0   Approach to Citizen Science Activities

When the Save the Teifi Community Group was established there was a clear desire within the community to utilise citizen science to monitor water quality so that polluters could be held to account. The steering group sought advice from key stakeholders (e.g. Natural Resources Wales, West Wales River Trust) and was informed that reporting pollution incidents and undertaking support action (e.g. Adopt a Tributary) was the best way forward. Directly testing the quality of the water (e.g. nutrient and e-coli content) was not encouraged given the results would not be used or recognised by key authorities. On this basis the Steering Group agreed that water quality testing would not be progressed until there was an agreed protocol and that the results would be used by appropriate authorities.  Members were directed to the activities being delivered by West Wales River Trust and encouraged to actively participate (e.g. Adopt a Tributary, Outfall Safari).

In response to the issues associated with high levels of phosphorous in the Teifi Ceredigion County Council in collaboration with the West Wales Nutrient Management Boards purchased  phosphate water quality monitoring kits to be used by citizen scientists.  The County Council and the Nutrient Management Board indicated that water quality testing undertaken by citizen scientists could help to extend the existing evidence base. On this basis the Save the Teifi Steering Group agreed to establish water testing citizen science activities given the results would be utilised. The Nutrient Management Board lent 4 phosphate testing kits to the Save the Teifi Group. A further 9 testing kits have been purchased by the group (from funds raised through donations from the members) as well as additional water quality testing equipment.

Volunteers have worked hard to collect the data in this report and the members of the Save the Teifi Steering Group want to express their thanks for dedication that has been shown by this section of the community. This report is a direct result of the tests carried out by our volunteers and could not have been compiled without their hard work and dedication. We continue to seek further volunteers to increase the distribution of sampling points.

3.0 Sampling Framework

Natural Resources Wales has a responsibility to monitor the health of waterbodies across Wales. There are  9 river catchments that have been designated as  Special Area of Conservation (SACs) due to the presence of key species. All designated SACs are expected to reach high standards of environmental quality whilst non SAC waterbodies are expected to meet the good quality standards associated with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The Teifi and some of it’s tributaries have been designated as a SAC whilst the remaining tributaries are covered by the WFD.  As part of its statutory duties NRW tests a variety of water quality parameters at SAC sections of the Teifi Teifi SAC and its tributaries, these tests being largely undertaken on a monthly basis. Given the available resources, NRW is only able to monitor a certain number of sites and these have been reduced in recent years. There was also limited monitoring during the Covid Pandemic and on occasion the time lapse between sampling and laboratory analysis means that the results are not reliable. This data, which has been collected for a number of years, has indicated that sections of the river and some of its tributaries  do not meet the environmental targets expected of a SAC river, in particular annual mean orthophosphate concentrations in the lower Teifi and selected tributaries are higher than the required target and so require action. Fewer tests are carried out on non-SAC sections of the catchment  and there are some tributaries where there is insufficient data available to assess the orthophosphate concentration..

The NMB indicated that data collected by Citizen Scientists could enhance the evidence base by helping to monitor these 22 tributaries. It was agreed that the water testing sampling framework should attempt to monitor these tributaries as close to their junction with the Teifi as possible by making use of safe and publicly accessible sites.  Further sites along the tributary would be useful (e.g. below and above a possible pollution point source, on sub-tributaries) if public access and resources (time/equipment) allowed. In addition the volunteers were encouraged to collect occasional samples from the main river (in particular close to County Council monitoring sites) and from sites where they believed pollution was an issue. The sampling should be undertaken at the same site at least once a month and if possible more frequently (e.g. weekly).

Figure 1: The 1^st and 2^nd priority tributaries identified for water quality testing.    

4.0 Water Quality Testing Equipment & Training Protocol

4.1 Equipment in Test Kits

a) Hanna Low Range Phosphate Checker (HI713) –

1. Range = 0.00 – 2.50 ppm (PO₄^3-)
2. Resolution = 0.01ppm
3. Accuracy = + 0.04 ppm +4% of reading @ 25^oC

 

Agencies such as NRW report concentrations in terms of PO₄ ^3- -P (orthophosphate as phosphorus) and this

is also what phosphorus standards are most commonly set as (Hatton-Ellis & Jones, 2021; Anon, 2023). A

molecule of orthophosphate (PO₄^3- ) weighs 3.06 times more than a molecule of PO₄^3- -P orthophosphate as

phosphorus. The PO₄^3- -P (orthophosphate as phosphorus) is calculated by dividing the Hanna instrument PO₄^3-

(orthophosphate) result by 3.06.

 

b) Seiki Multifunction 5-in-1 Water Quality Tester (EZ-9909SP)

1. pH - Range 0.01-14.00pH, resolution 0.01pH, accuracy + 0.05pH
2. Electrical Conductivity (EC) – Range 0-1000 uS/cm, resolution 1 uS/cm, accuracy +2%
3. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – Range 0-1000ppm, resolution 1ppm, Accuracy +2%
4. Temperature – Range 0-60⁰C, resolution 1⁰C, accuracy +0.5
5. Salinity – Range 0.01-25%/0-10000ppm, resolution 0.01%/1ppm, Accuracy +0.1%

 

 

c) Dissolved Oxygen Analyzer (DO9100)

1. Range = 0.0-30.0 mg/L 0.0-300.0%
2. Resolution = 0.1 mg/L 0.1%
3. Accuracy = + 1.5%

 

The instrument can be calibrated each time by taking a measurement in air (100%).

It is noteworthy that the instrument takes time to produce a stable result.

 

 

 

 

4.2 Training Protocol

 

The citizen science volunteers were trained in small groups (1-4 people with water samples being collected and tested in the field.). They were issued with the water sampling risk assessment that had been produced by Ceredigion County Council for the PRaM project. They were issued with the Save the Teifi Water Quality Data Collection waterproof leaflet which provided a step by step guide on how to collect the samples. They were taken through the procedures and given an opportunity to use the equipment.

 

They were also shown how to download the ArcGIS My Survey 123 app and the associated Save the Teifi Water Quality Testing form that is hosted by West Wales River Trust. They were encouraged to record the water quality testing data and the sample location in the field (although the data can be uploaded at a later date if no mobile signal is available.

 

The need to wash down the equipment with distilled water after use was outlined. Similarly the importance of ensuring the glass vials associated with the Phosphate Checker were cleaned with a lint free cloth during the measurement process (e.g. removing fingerprints, non-use of hand creams) was highlighted.

 

The volunteers were also told that if they required further training or a replenishment of resources (phosphate sachets, distilled water) they should contact the training team.

 

The instructions also outlined what good/excellent water quality readings would be and that they demonstrated when the river was in good health. It was also noted that the aim was to undertake testing over a prolonged period (1-2 years) so that mitigation methods could be assessed.

 

The sampling protocol was explained to the volunteers and they were asked to work as a group to cover one or more tributaries on a weekly/monthly basis for a prolonged period of time. They were asked to swap the equipment between them to collect the data.

 

The first training session was held on the 11^th July 2024 and by the 8^th August eight groups had been trained. Training of a further 4 groups is still to be arranged.

5.0 Distribution of Testing Sites   

 

Between the 11^th July and the 3^rd October 2024 (12 weeks) the 8 groups tested water quality in the Teifi catchment 147 times. The samples were collected from 45 different sites (Fig. 2). At some sites only one assessment has been made but at others up to 10 tests were carried out.

Figure 2: The Save the Teifi citizen science sampling points selected during the summer of 2024.

It should be noted that in a number of cases the sampling site location recorded by the ArcGIS Survey 123 app varied by as much as 20m between different sampling dates. Discussion with the sampling team has indicated that the water samples were collected from the same point on each occasion. As a consequence the water quality testing data set records both the apps proposed location (Latitude and Longitude) and an average OS National Grid Reference has been proposed for the site.

The majority of the sample sites are located in the lower section of the Teifi. At present 9 of the priority 13 tributaries are being monitored (volunteers needed for Camddwr, Groes, Talog and either the Morgenau tributaries) and a further 3 of the 9 secondary sub catchments. In addition  a further 10 sub-catchments, are being monitored with some of these including small streams that have not been measured by NRW in the past. The priority tributaries not being monitored are the Hirwaun, Talog, Groes and Camddwr. Of the 2^nd priority tributaries the Piliau, Cneifa, Gran, Berwyn, Fflus and Meurig are not being monitored.

6.0  Results from Summer 2024 (11/7/24 to 3/10/24)

The 147 water quality tests events recorded, location, date and time and the following water parameters: temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and orthophosphate concentration (PO₄^3-) which was subsequently converted to orthophosphate as phosphorus (PO₄ ^3- -P). The results have been reviewed and results where clarification is required identified (e.g. some values appear inconsistent) The detailed results are available on the Save the Teifi website and have been sent to staff at the Nutrient Management Board and the Lampeter Office of NRW. A brief assessment of the data is provided below.

6.1 – pH

The pH of the Teifi and its tributaries is largely alkaline particularly between Newcastle Emlyn and Lampeter where pH values between 8.0 and 9.5 are common.  Test results with a pH value between 6.5 and 9.0 are representative of good water quality. Only two readings below pH 6.5 were recorded, these being on the Arad (south of Newcastle Emlyn) and the Cledlyn (Dre-fach), both at pH 6.35 . There are a number of readings above pH 9.0 including from the Cynllo, Bargod, Iago, Siedi, Tyweli, Gwenffryd, Clettwr and Cerdin.

6.2 – Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids

The results of electric conductivity (EC) are twice the value of total dissolved solids (TDS). TDS values in the range of 100-200 ppm are considered normal for a river. TDS values below the Teifi confluence with the Cych are in the range of 100-200 ppm with a few samples above 250ppm (Mwldan, Coed Maidie, Isaf). TDS values above the confluence with the Cych are all below 100ppm, which is considered excellent water quality.

6.3 – Dissolved Oxygen

Healthy water should have dissolved oxygen concentrations of 6.5-8.0 mg/L (80-120%). In many cases the volunteers recorded dissolved oxygen in both mg/L and as a %.  It is noteworthy that in some cases the % figure was low (below 70%) but the mg/L reading was within the healthy river range. The majority of readings were within the healthy river range. Notable exceptions were  single readings on the Isaf (Llechryd) at 5.9 mg/L, Omerond (Llechryd) at 4.7 mg/L and Tyweli  at 6.3 mg/L. The Arad (Newcastle Emlyn) and Iago (near Trebedw) had a number of readings below 75% but corresponding mg/L figures between 7.4-7.8 mg/L. Further analysis into the use and accuracy of the instrument will be undertaken to determine if one set of measurements is more reliable.

  

6.4 – Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P). 

The  PO₄ ^3- -P values ranged from 0 to 0.693 ppm. The higher values (>0.08ppm) were mainly associated with samples collected from the lower Teifi and its  tributaries below the confluence with the Cych (Mwldan,Plysgog, Omerond, Arbeth). There were only two readings above 0.08ppm above this point these being from the Ceri and the Teifi near Henllan. At a number of sites there were sufficient readings (4 or more) to assess if there were variations through time.

6.4.1 Arbeth

The PO₄ ^3- -P values vary from 0.036ppm to 0.111 ppm with no clear trend over this short time period (Fig. 3)

 

Figure 3: Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P) for Arbeth Tributary between July and October 2024. Red line represents the estimated NRW target concentration (0.02ppm).

6.4.2 Lower Ceri

The PO₄ ^3- -P values vary from 0.0ppm to 0.111 ppm with a general increase in values over this short time period (Fig. 4).

Figure 4: Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P) forCeri Tributary between August and October 2024. Red line represents the NRW target concentration (0.04ppm).

 

6.4.3 Teifi at Newcastle Emlyn

The PO₄ ^3- -P values vary from 0.013ppm to 0.059 ppm with no clear trend over this short time period (Fig. 5)

Figure 5: Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P) for the Teifi at Newcastle Emlyn Castle between August and early September 2024. Red line represents the NRW target concentration (0.02ppm).

 

6.4.4 Arad near Newcastle Emlyn

The PO₄ ^3- -P values vary from 0.0ppm to 0.02 ppm with no clear trend over this short time period (Fig. 6)

Figure 6: Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P) for the Arad near  Newcastle Emlyn  between August and mid September 2024. Red line represents the estimated NRW target concentration (0.02ppm).

  

6.4.5 Cynllo

The PO₄ ^3- -P values vary from 0.016 ppm to 0.033 ppm with no clear trend over this short time period (Fig. 7)

Figure 7: Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P) for the Cynllo/Cwerchyr  between August and October 2024. Red line represents the estimated NRW target concentration (0.03ppm).

 

6.4.6 Bargod

The PO₄ ^3- -P values vary from 0.001 ppm to 0.036 ppm with no clear trend over this short time period (Fig. 8)

Figure 8: Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P) for the Bargod  between July and October 2024. Red line represents the estimated NRW target concentration (0.02ppm).

 

6.4.7 Teifi at Henllan

The PO₄ ^3- -P values vary from 0.003 ppm to 0.088 ppm with increasing vales in late September/early October (Fig. 9)

Figure 9: Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P) for the Teifi at Henllan  between July and October 2024. Red line represents the NRW target concentration (0.02ppm).

 

6.4.8 Teifi at Iago near Henllan

The PO₄ ^3- -P values vary from 0.016 ppm to 0.059 ppm with no overall trend visible (Fig. 10).

Figure 10: Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P) for the Iago near Henllan  between July and October 2024. Red line represents the estimated NRW target concentration (0.02ppm).

 

6.4.9 Siedi

The PO₄ ^3- -P values vary from 0.01 ppm to 0.036 ppm with no overall trend visible (Fig. 11).

Figure 11: Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P) for the Siedi  between July and October 2024. Red line represents the estimated NRW target concentration (0.02ppm).

 

6.4.10 Tyweli

The PO₄ ^3- -P values vary from 0.007 ppm to 0.052 ppm with no overall trend visible (Fig. 12).

Figure 12: Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P) for the Tyweli  between August and October 2024. Red line represents the NRW target concentration (0.034ppm).

 

6.4.10 Creuddyn

The PO₄ ^3- -P values vary from 0.00 ppm to 0.033 ppm with values decreasing through time (Fig. 13).

Figure 13: Orthophosphate Concentrations as Phospherous (PO₄ ^3- -P) for the Creuddyn  between July and October 2024. Red line represents the estimated NRW target concentration (0.02ppm).

7.0   Orthophosphate Concentrations Compared to NRW SAC Targets

NRW have assessed the concentration of Orthophosphate expected to occur in SAC rivers and identified mean annual target levels that should not be exceeded (Hatton-Ellis & Jones, 2021). For a particular SAC river the target levels vary along the river and from tributary to tributary. Target levels were not identified for some tributaries. The target levels for the Teifi are illustrated in Fig. 14 with the detail provided in Appendix 1.

Figure 14. Map of phosphorus targets for Afon Teifi SAC. All concentrations are annual means and growing season means in µg l^-1. (From Hatton-Ellis & Jones, 2021).

NRW compare the target values against the annual mean and growing season mean determined from their measurements and if either of these values are higher than the target value that section of the river is considered to have failed its phosphorous compliance. Individual measurements that are above the target do not mean that that section of the river is failing.

There are some Teifi tributaries where a target level has not been identified and these are the priority areas for Save the Teifi to take measurements. For this report estimate target values have been proposed based on the targets from surrounding tributaries. Guidance will be sought from NRW and the Nutrient Management Board to determine if these estimates are appropriate.

An initial comparison between the NRW and estimated target phosphate concentrations indicates that  76 of the Save the Teifi 147 (%1.7%) water quality testing measurements were above the proposed targets. These measurements have been collected over a short time period (2-3 months) which is insufficient to compare with the NRW annual or even the growing season means. Further data is required over the next 18-24 months before such comparisons can be made. Similarly the current report has not assessed the potential instrumental errors/accuracy of the equipment, which will be undertaken once more data becomes available. The data (e.g. Figs. 3-5, 8-10)  does however indicate that there are some tributaries/sites where the target levels are frequently exceeded; these being:

•  Teifi at:  Cilgerran, Newcastle Emlyn & Henllan
• Tributaries: Plysgog, Coed Maidie (Llechryd), Isaf (Llechryd), Omerond (Llechryd), Arbeth, Bargod,Iago. Gwenffryd, Clettwr, Cledlyn

However, in some cases the number of measurements are limited. The majority of these river sections are in the lower Teifi, but this also reflects current distribution of sampling locations.

 

8.0 Conclusions

The following conclusions can be drawn from the initial Save the Teifi citizen science water quality testing programme.

1. The citizen science volunteers can produce results which can add to the exiting evidence base by collecting data from sites which lack information.
2. Some of the results suggest that parameters such as pH and dissolved oxygen are good or satisfactory from the majority of river sections that have been measured by citizen scientists.
3. The phosphate concentrations measured by the volunteers and adjusted to be comparable to the NRW measurements (PO₄ ^3- -P) frequently exceed the phosphorous target levels, but further analysis is required.
4. Further data collected over the next 18-24 months is required before any comparisons can be made with NRW compliance assessments.
5. Further volunteers to test water quality along the Teifi and its tributaries are required, particularly in the upper catchment and for selected tributaries which have a lack of data.

6. Some of the highest readings on the tributaries come from locations without DC/WW assets - this may be from agricultural input, or from domestic septic tanks - more investigation is needed.

9.0 References

Anon, 2023. Phosphorus information for Wye catchment citizen scientists. Prepared by Cardiff University on behalf of the Wye Catchment Collaborative Monitoring Network. (https://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=e5d72bf9-dc2c-4eeb-b02c-15559452869a )

Hatton-Ellis, T. & Jones, T. 2021: Compliance Assessment of Welsh River SACs against Phosphorus Targets. Natural Resources Wales, Report No. 489.

(https://cdn.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/media/693025/compliance-assessment-of-welsh-sacsagainst-phosphorus-targets-final-v10.pdf?mode=pad&rnd=132557227300000000)

10.0 Appendix 1: Phospherous compliance for Afon Teifi

See this Link for the raw data in a pdf file.