Water Quality Testing

Whether you’re just getting started or already collecting data, here’s how we can help – and what to do if we can’t.

Can SAS help me test the water?

We do run a citizen science programme, supporting communities to carry out weekly water quality testing for sewage indicator bacteria (E. coli and intestinal enterococci). We use the same method and parameters that environmental regulators (like the Environment Agency) use at official bathing sites.

However, spaces are limited and application-based. Our current programme is already underway.

Want to join in 2027? Register your interest and we’ll add you to the citizen science mailing list.

We can’t fund or directly support everyone who wants to test. But there’s plenty you can do in the meantime…

Already testing?

If you’ve been testing – whether for bacteria or other parameters such as nitrates and phosphates – and you’d like to share results, you can add your location to our citizen science map. If you request an account, we’ll get you set up.

Join our monthly citizen science webinars, where community groups from across the UK compare notes. Ask to be added to the invite.

We use citizen science data to fuel campaigns and shape policy, so every result counts.

Testing the water yourself

If you’d like to jump straight in, we’d recommend laboratory-based bacterial testing. It’s the most robust option, and what we do on our own citizen science programme. If you scroll down you’ll find a full toolkit for getting started, but as an idea of costs:

Equipment (one-off cost):

Full list and links here

  • Sampling rod: approx. £50
  • Sampling beaker: approx. £170
  • Additional equipment (cool bag, ice blocks, sterilising wipes etc): approx. £20

Lab analysis:

  • E. coli, intestinal enterococci and total coliforms: approx. £20 to £25 per sample (the lab provides bottles and labels for posting)

Where to send samples:

Other ways to test the water

There are a growing number of methods to test for faecal indicator bacteria in the water to evidence sewage pollution. Below, you’ll find a summary of different methods and technologies, including the groups already using them and where to find out more.

PFAS Testing

Other routes to consider:

Want to know if your site is already monitored?

Step-by-step guidance

In this section, you’ll find step-by-step guidance on taking a water quality sample. This includes the equipment you’ll need, sampling methodology, health & safety guidance, and how to post samples to the lab.

Start by watching our how-to video, and dive into the written guidance for more in-depth information on each step.

Equipment list
When and where to test
Organising your testing team
Taking a sample from a beach
Taking a sample from a river, lake, loch or stream
Preparing and storing a sample
Posting your sample
Completing a risk assessment
Health, safety and insurance
Sample Request Form

Interpreting the data

In this section, we look at how you can analyse and interpret the data from your citizen science testing.

Why Citizen Science?
What you're testing for
Explainer: Bathing Water classifications
Calculate your classification
How to use your data
Useful links and examples

Driving your campaign

In this section, we look at how all your incredible citizen science can fuel your wider campaigns. Find guidance and templates for engaging with your MP, local authority and polluters – as well as advice on social media campaigns and writing press releases.

In the UK, there are several ways in which our rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastline are officially monitored. The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations 2017, and the Bathing Water Regulations 2013 dictate how we monitor, assess and improve water quality.

All waterways, including rivers, lakes, groundwater, and coastal areas up to 1 nautical mile offshore, are assessed under the Water Environment legislation. This assessment is focused on determining ecological and chemical status. This must be carried out at least once every six years, along with a river basin management plan. Within this cycle, different elements of the water quality are assessed more regularly. However, only once every six years does the actual full assessment happen, which results in updated classifications. Ecosystem health is the focus of this monitoring, not risk to human health.

Only waterways which are officially classified as designated bathing waters are monitored under the Bathing Water Regulations. The UK has over 600 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified to assess risk to human health from accessing the water. Bathing waters are monitored annually throughout the official bathing season (15th May-30th September in England and Wales and 1st June – 15th September in Scotland and Northern Ireland), with samples taken at weekly intervals. At the end of the bathing season, sites are classified on an annual basis.

In addition to the direct monitoring of water quality, pollution events such as sewage discharges are recorded, with the respective regulators; Environment Agency (England), Natural Resources Wales (Wales), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Scotland) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Northern Ireland) required to carry out some investigative monitoring at sites of concern.

Water quality monitoring also takes place outside of these official programmes, for example through citizen science programmes or academic research.

SAS operates a citizen science programme, where we support a number of communities in ongoing weekly water quality testing for faecal indicator microorganisms (Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci).

However, we can only support a small number of communities. Water quality testing is costly – and support with equipment provision, sampling guidance, and data interpretation is time consuming. As a charity with a small team of water quality specialists, we have limited resources available to support the wider community of water users in undertaking their own testing. As such, we’re currently unable to offer direct support and/or funding for water quality testing for everyone.

Even though we may not be able to support you directly, there are a number of ways you can find out more about the water quality at your local coastal or inland waterway. You’ll find other options below.

Apply for bathing water status for your local river, lake or beach. Find out how Protecting Wild Waters can help.