Seawater Quality Testing
Since August 2023 the Marine Group has been conducting seawater quality measurements in the Tollesbury creeks. The group is working in partnership with the University of Essex in Colchester which carries out the laboratory testing for Ecoli and Intestinal Enterococci levels in the water. Several sampling locations are being used for the testing as shown in the map below:
So far, the results are showing very low levels of pollution in Woodrolfe Creek (Lightship) and Tollesbury Fleet (South Channel) which is good news for swimmers and mariners. In fact, according to the bathing quality criteria set by the Environment Agency, they would be classified as “Excellent”.
However, high levels of bacteria have been found in waters surrounding the sewage outlet and we will be conducting further testing to confirm results and determine how far this pollution is spreading. We still to take more samples over the coming months to be certain of the findings and then more detailed information will be made generally available. In addition, the group intends to start testing for Nitrate and Phosphate pollution in the coming months.