February Update

 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.

Despite our commitment to collaboration and transparency, securing this information required formal action. As a trusted organisation dedicated to rigorous, peer-reviewed water quality investigations, FOD believe this data is vital for understanding pollution in our rivers. Alongside our own extensive testing programme, this newly released data will help build a clearer picture of the challenges facing our waterways.

In the coming weeks, we will share a full timeline of our interactions with South West Water, as well as further insights from our independent testing efforts. Stay tuned for more updates on our work to hold polluters accountable and protect our rivers.

Did you know that sewage and wastewater treatment processes do not account for, test for, or remove many harmful contaminants?

It’s important to be mindful of what you pour down your drains and flush down your toilet. Ask yourself: Would it be safe if it went directly into a river?

We believe it’s time for updates to legislation to ensure that water treatment plants are required to screen for and remove harmful contaminants. Additionally, farms must reduce the widespread use of antibiotics, pesticides, and agrochemicals, which contribute to water pollution and environmental degradation.

Below is a breakdown of the data we have analysed.

What the Data Reveals About Pollution in the River Dart

Data Collection

Friends of the Dart volunteers conducted a week-long sampling effort (June 28, 2024) at four Bathing Water sites: Steamer Quay, Stoke Gabriel, Dittisham, and Warfleet Creek. Samples were analyzed at the University of York for:

• Pharmaceuticals

• PFAs (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

• PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)

• Heavy metals

• Pesticides

• Nutrients

• Antimicrobial resistance genes

What Was Found

Out of 104 tested compounds, 54 were detected. While concentrations were too low to pose an immediate risk to human health, continuous exposure could be harmful to wildlife.

Key pollutants included:

• Pharmaceuticals – Antibiotics, blood pressure medication, antidepressants, diabetes medication, antihistamines, painkillers, and laxatives.

• Cosmetics – Antiseptics, additives, and preservatives.

• PFAs – Including PFOA, PFBA, and PFNA, known for their persistence in the environment.

• PAHs – By-products of combustion that pose long-term health risks.

• Lifestyle chemicals – Caffeine and nicotine.

Heavy Metals – Detected levels were below drinking water safety thresholds, but these pollutants can bioaccumulate, affecting wildlife.

Antimicrobial Resistance – Early data suggests the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes, particularly at Steamer Quay. However, we are still consulting with our expert team before drawing any firm conclusions.

Microbial Source Tracking

Separate testing at Steamer Quay, a site consistently classified as having poor water quality, identified bacterial contamination from:

• Humans – A clear indicator of sewage pollution.

• Ruminants – Cattle, sheep, deer, and goats.

• Pigs – Confirmed as a specific contamination source. Horses also feature.

This evidence underscores ongoing pollution concerns and the urgent need for action. Friends of the Dart will continue to push for transparency and accountability to protect our waterways.

We would love you to join us on 13th February to hear more about our latest discoveries, results and progress. These events will be a monthly opportunity to keep up to date with our work. Each event will have a theme.

Details of the event can be found here