Citizen environmentalists in Devon have launched a new online platform, River Hub, to monitor sewage spills in the River Dart. The platform provides real-time alerts for spills, identifies frequently polluted locations, and outlines where improvement work is planned or absent.
Friends of the Dart (FOD), a not-for-profit organisation, states that River Hub is the first platform to compile such detailed information about pollution in a British river. Rob Worthington, one of the platform's designers, explained that it aims to constructively channel anger about sewage by showing problem areas and their causes, enabling communities to help prioritise fixes.
The platform includes a section for current and recent spills, information on "dry spills" (discharges during low or no rain), and analysis of issues like sewage treatment works capacity. It also details ongoing or planned remedial works with completion dates, and highlights problem spots without scheduled improvements.
While much of the data used is publicly available, FOD extracted some through freedom of information requests. The team acknowledges the platform's picture may be incomplete and welcomes corrections. The River Hub model is being offered free to other groups who wish to implement similar tracking for their local rivers.
Local residents have reported illnesses after swimming in the Dart. Emma Roberts stated she was hospitalised with an E coli infection after a dip, while Olivia Doherty's son experienced stomach problems after swimming. Ben Brierley, who runs kayak tours, believes the hub could help determine safe times and locations for his clients to be in the river.
South West Water (SWW) stated it welcomes interest in river health and noted its WaterFit Live site provides similar information. The Environment Agency also welcomed the community initiative, stating that all storm overflows are now monitored and data is publicly available, with significant investment planned to improve overflows in England.