Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Programme – essential information
Find out about the new initiative to improve understanding of water quality across England and what to do if you are approached about having testing stations on your land.
The Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Programme is a new long-term initiative to improve understanding of water quality in rivers, estuaries and coastal waters across England.
Under the Environment Act 2021, water companies have to undertake mandatory, real-time monitoring of water quality upstream and downstream of sewage treatment works and storm overflows.
As part of the programme, water companies will install monitoring equipment to collect real-time information about the condition of the water environment. The aim is to build a clearer picture of how water quality changes over time and seasons.
Data collected through the programme is expected to become publicly available from 2030.
Key takeaways:
- The intention is not to use the monitoring network as a way to increase scrutiny of individual farmers or agricultural businesses.
- If you are approached about having testing stations installed on your land, seek professional advice before signing any agreement.
What data will be collected?
The programme will be monitoring the following:
- Levels of dissolved oxygen
- Temperature and pH
- Turbidity
- Ammonia
- Anything else deemed necessary by the Defra Secretary of State
Each monitoring station is installed at a fixed position within the river and includes equipment that automatically records and transmits data at regular intervals.
The programme’s primary purpose is to help improve understanding of water quality and water company asset performance. The intention is not to use the monitoring network as a mechanism for increasing scrutiny of individual farmers or agricultural businesses.
Timescales
Water companies are required to have monitoring infrastructure in place by 31 March 2030, although implementation is being phased and companies are at different stages of delivery.
For example, Wessex Water will have installed around 470 monitors by March 2030, reaching an estimated 2,000 monitors by 2035.
Implications for farmers and landowners
As monitoring stations are rolled out, water companies may approach farmers and landowners to seek access rights or agreements to install monitoring equipment on private land.
Water companies may secure access for equipment on private land through private lease agreements, typically granted for a term of 20 years.
While the size of testing stations may vary, they typically cover less than one square metre and are designed to minimise environmental footprint.
If you are approached, the NFU recommends that you seek professional advice before signing any agreement. The NFU Contract Checking Service may be able to help review proposed contracts.
