Citizen scientists step up as Environment Agency struggles with staff shortages and testing cuts
24th July 2025
In response to recent news regarding the cancellation of thousands of vital water pollution tests by the Environment Agency (EA) due to staff shortages, Earthwatch Europe and The Rivers Trust issued a joint statement highlighting the critical role of citizen science in monitoring and protecting the UK’s waterways.
The news that 10,000 scheduled tests for inorganic pollutants were cancelled at the EA’s Starcross laboratory between May and July 2025 underscores the pressing need for comprehensive water quality data. While the EA acknowledges “fluctuations in staffing capacity” and aims for full capacity by October, the temporary pausing of seven national inorganic testing programmes raises serious concerns about the ongoing assessment of river, lake, and estuary health.
“The Environment Agency’s struggles with staff shortages and the resulting cuts to essential water quality monitoring are deeply concerning,” said Dr Sasha Woods, Director of Science and Policy for Earthwatch Europe.
“However, it’s crucial to recognise that thousands of dedicated volunteers across the country are actively stepping up to fill this data gap. Through initiatives like the Great UK WaterBlitz and The Big River Watch, Earthwatch Europe and The Rivers Trust are empowering individuals to collect robust, scientifically sound data on water quality. This data provides a vital snapshot of the health of our rivers and streams. We urge policymakers and regulators to recognise and leverage this growing citizen science movement as a vital component of a resilient and effective water monitoring strategy.”
The Great UK WaterBlitz, a biannual citizen science event led by Earthwatch Europe, mobilises thousands of people to test local waterbodies for nitrates and phosphates, key indicators of agricultural and sewage pollution. Similarly, The Rivers Trust’s Big River Watch initiative encourages widespread participation in monitoring river health, building a comprehensive picture of the challenges facing UK waterways.
Michelle Walker, Technical Director at The Rivers Trust, added “We have long been calling for an increase in river monitoring and called out the risks of two decades of decline in our 2024 State of Our Rivers Report. This concerning news comes just days after Sir Jon Cunliffe’s Independent Water Commission called for water monitoring to be strengthened so we can fully understand the issues they’re facing, and know where to direct solutions.
Through initiatives like the Big River Watch and the CaSTCo project, The Rivers Trust and our partners, including Earthwatch Europe, have demonstrated how investment in training, equipping and supporting local communities to be the eyes and ears on the ground, and monitor their local rivers can provide robust evidence to help detect problems and target action to improve river health.”
Both Earthwatch Europe and The Rivers Trust emphasise that the robust datasets generated by citizen scientists are not only crucial for identifying pollution incidents but also for informing policy and driving action to improve water quality across the UK. These initiatives demonstrate that even as statutory bodies face constraints, the collective power of communities can make a significant difference in safeguarding the nation’s precious water resources.
The next Great UK WaterBlitz will take place over the weekend of 19-22 September, with the Big River Watch running from 19-25 September.
