This February, we were delighted to hold our first online meeting to share our testing results with the community, press, and other interested parties. The meeting took place on February 13th and was attended by 49 participants. We’d like to thank everyone who joined us—you helped make this first meeting a great success! We look forward to our next Water Hub on June 12th at 6pm.

Freedom of Information Request: What the Data Reveals About Pollution in the River Dart

After many months of promises and delays, Friends of the Dart has finally obtained crucial water quality data through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The data includes over 300 bacterial samples from the River Dart (2015–2024), more than 50 DNA samples identifying bacterial sources, and over 50 bacterial samples from the River Hems in 2024.

High bacterial counts at Dartington Beach and Dartington Pontoon did not correlate with CSO spill data or rainfall. This suggested there was a continuous pollution load being added to the Dart. Current monitoring indicated that treated effluent from Kilbury sewage treatment works (stw) was the source.

Our ‘Stop Sewage in the Dart’ Crowdfunder has received enormous support, which led to our decision to stretch the target to £60 000. We received significant donations from local businesses, including Rockfish, who donated £5,000. 

The Crowdfunder has raised £55,000 so far. This would have been impossible without the huge support of the Devon Environment Foundation who have contributed £15,000.

Friends of the Dart has found evidence of illegal dry spills in 14 different areas of the River Dart dating from 2021 to 2023, the worst of which occurred in Rattery where a total of 15 hours of sewage was found to have been released into the river.

The River Dart has just become the first river in the UK to achieve Designated Bathing Water status for a record number of individual sites. Four sites have been awarded Designated Bathing Water status by DEFRA in time for the start of the UK’s 2024 Bathing Water Season on the 15th May 2024. To all of the amazing individuals, businesses and organisations in our communities and further afield who made this possible, thank you! This is a hugely positive step in the progress towards resolving sewage and wastewater pollution in our rivers.