09/10/2026
October 5th Water Testing Results are in 📢
💧E.coli
In the non-tidal section, there were low E.coli levels in much of the river away from the Anglian Water STWs, with the section above Easton continuing to show almost no E.coli pollution.
For the Fynn and Lark the picture is broadly similar, however in a few locations levels were higher than expected, notably in Grundisburgh.
In the tidal section, levels were also low, although as usual both Kirton and Martlesham Creek STWs show problems.
At Debenham and above there was a record number of dry sites reported. E.coli levels, at those where water was present, were however lower than in previous months.
💧Phosphate
Low flow and record low river levels tend to concentrate this chemical pollutant. That said in the non-tidal Deben phosphate levels at most sites sit at or near "healthy river" levels.
In the Fynn/Lark section, phosphate levels are somewhat higher and we continue to make the case for phosphate stripping investment here.
In the tidal section, pollution in Woodbridge/Melton is above guideline levels, even at high tide. The inland Kirton STW continues to be a high emitter and recent one-off tests in the non-tidal backwaters at Falkenham shows phosphate pollution over 15 times the acceptable level
In the Debenham area, phosphate levels were lower than reported in September, showing the positive impact of phosphate removal.
💧Nitrate
Nitrate levels continue to be relatively low for the time of year due to little rainfall and almost no run-off from agricultural land and highways, with spikes only evident at and just below the STWs.
💧Ammonia
Across the Deben catchment, ammonia levels are below 0.5 ppm in most places indicating relatively good river health, although we continue to see spikes at STWs. A tidal spike at Wilford Bridge (1.07 ppm) is concerning as this is some way from any pollution emitter and is to be investigated further.
Visit our website for more detailed water testing results and other recent river news: https://buff.ly/DXuweu5
