River Yealm Water Quality Group

Running steeply from Dartmoor National Park to the South Devon coastline, the River Yealm is tranquil and cherished, designated by the Environment Agency as one of only 42 Principle Salmon Rivers within England. Much of the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust, whilst also including a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), bass nursery and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), harbouring many protected species.

 

However, our river is under threat. Only 12 miles long from moor to sea, it is subject to outputs from as many as 9 sewage treatment works, 2 China clay works, agriculture, landfill, aggregate recycling works and 2 business parks.

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In response, the River Yealm Water Quality Group (RYWQG) was convened in 2022, comprised of representatives from each of our seven riparian Parish Councils (Brixton, Cornwood, Ermington, Newton & Noss, Sparkwell, Wembury and Yealmpton), including local people and organisations concerned about river water quality.

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Our aim is to help preserve ecological health, fish stocks and amenity value, including local businesses such as a shellfish farm.

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​​See below for links to summaries, reports and websites describing:

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​​1. Activities;

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• Measuring river water quality and ecological status;

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• Identifying and reporting upon specific areas of concern;

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• Developing catchment-wide partnerships;

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• Assessing strategic opportunities; and

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• Raising public awareness of river water quality issues.

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2. Main findings;

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• Historic analyses of water quality;

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• "Yealm Dippers” Westcountry Rivers Trust Citizen Science Investigation;

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• Continuous Water Monitoring; and

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• Riverfly surveying.

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3. ​Shared initiatives;

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• Pollution event reporting;

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• Helping plan effective separation of surface water runoff from sewage;

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• Assessing the potential for and benefits of designated Bathing Water Status;

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• Pollution associated with International Paint Ltd - Akzo Nobel;

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• Scrutiny Group, assessing South West Waters plans;

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• Yealm Catchment Plan; and

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• Yealm Mapper (GIS).

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4. Popular articles published in local press and on Facebook;

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5. Useful links such as include;​

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• Live water quality data from the lower reaches of River Yealm;

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• Report an environmental incident to the Environment Agency;

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• Report a problem to South West Water;

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• How sewage pollution can cause a whole range of illnesses;

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• If you think illness is related to river water quality, how to submit a sickness report; and

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• South West Waters Water Resources Management Plan 2024.

 

​6. How to Contact us, enquiries and volunteers welcome!​