Last week we had a Ruscombe Brook Action Group meeting and this morning I met with Ismaila, the MSc student looking at water quality and possible solutions - here's a quick catch up to let people know where we are - first last weeks meeting...The evening started with a film and photos by residents of Puckshole taken during the recent floods - I have a copy of a DVD of the waters at Puckshole (see photo), not at peak flow, but certainly impressive - see also photos on blog entry on 22nd July 2006 and many other entries re flooding - as locals will know Puckshole is still closed due to the landslide.
At the meeting we also discussed the feedback from the consultation at Cashes Green Fun Day on August 12th 2007 - the day went well despite poor weather - many thanks to all those who helped and the Stroud Valleys Project help in providing rain protection, display boards and more. It was also a chance to hand out some of the new leaflets which we designed with Severn Trent Water - more of those in another post.
Various other issues were discussed including the possibly newly forming Slad Valley Action Group and the Painswick flood group which both want a RBAG speaker. Plus further responses to the Memo of Cooperation which we have sent out (see previous RBAG posts for info), correspondence with Defra and the next step as Ismaila nears completion of his MSc project.
Next meeting: Tuesday 18th Sept at 7.30 in Ebley - call me on 755451 for details.
Today I met Ismaila while he was on the last day of his water quality testing of the brook - he called in to my house for a discussion about his project and also interviewed me re some of my thoughts on the brook - he has done the same to others - residents, professionals and RBAG members. He will present findings to RBAG in October - then we can look at how to implement.Photo: Ismaila testing water quality in brook
4 comments:
I wonder - do you know if the spring near near the chapel has been tested since the flooding? Ive spoken to lots of villagers who previously drank the water but are now uncertain as to its safety. If not it might be a good thing for us to organise.
Mel, Ruscombe
See 30th December blog:
http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com/search?q=+Faecal+coliform+in+Ruscombe+Spring
That blog highlighted the fact that the Parish test showed faecal coliform - it therefore does not meet drinking standards before the floods. Some view this as serious and therefore should not be drunk - others take an easier view and I am aware that several collect water for drinking.
There are many issues here and I would be happy to talk more re this - 755451 - certainly the floods have led to some deterioration in water quality - this week a MSc student researching the Ruscombe Brook has done more detailed tests along the route but results will take a while and are also only a snap shot.
A big issue here is the fact that there are no health standards for water quality in British rivers - an issue I've discussed previously on this blog - RBAG have been considering developing a possible national standard - the Ruscombe standard!
In terms of improving water quality in the brook there are several issues - some of which we are trying to address through RBAG - we would welcome support - next meeting is 18th Sept at 7.30 - I could give you or others interested a lift to meeting in Ebley?
I've drunk the spring water when the water was cut off and am still here but am less confidentr than in the past about quality
Likewise. But thanks Philip for the info. We have all been drinking the water for years on our household with no ill effects. Typing define:faecal coliform into google gives you this:
"a group of coliforms that colonise the intestinal tract of animals. These bacteria are relatively harmless, and help the body digest food. Faecal coliforms found in the water are an indicator that there are upstream inputs of animal waste. Because they live in the digestive system, are an indicator of other, more harmful viruses and bacteria.
".
Which is reassuring!
Post a Comment