The Final Straw Foundation 365 Water Quality Sampling Project, using Fluidion equipment, aims to investigate Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Total Coliform levels at two sites in Hampshire: the busy designated bathing water area on Hayling Island (Central Beachlands) and Emsworth Harbour, which are both popular with water sports enthusiasts. The samples are taken by staff and volunteers coordinated by the Final Straw Foundation at the Emsworth site, and by volunteers coordinated by Hayling Sewage Watch on Hayling Island.
We use Fluidion Alert One Analysers to measure E. coli concentrations in our water samples. These bacteria serve as an indicator of water quality. Elevated levels may suggest a potential health risk to bathers and could indicate environmental impacts.
Our results are shared with the Environment Agency (EA) and the local borough council whenever we detect levels of concern. Through this webpage, we also make the data publicly available for anyone interested, including local swimmers, paddleboarders, sailors, and other water users.
Water Quality Monitoring
At designated bathing waters, the Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality during the bathing season to help the public assess the potential risks of entering the water. These tests include measuring bacterial indicators such as E. coli, with results reported in colony-forming units per 100 ml (cfu/100 ml).
The classification thresholds for coastal bathing waters are as follows:
| Classification | E. coli (EC) | Intestinal Enterococci (IE) | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | ≤ 250 cfu/100 ml | ≤ 100 cfu/100 ml | 95th |
| Good | ≤ 500 cfu/100 ml | ≤ 200 cfu/100 ml | 95th |
| Sufficient | ≤ 500 cfu/100 ml | ≤ 185 cfu/100 ml | 90th |
| Poor | Sufficient standard not met | — | — |
While we reference these categories for context, it is important to note that official classifications are based on seasonal monitoring data collected over four years, not on single sample results. The Environment Agency’s assessments also include Intestinal Enterococci testing in addition to E. coli. Read more about the Environment Agency’s classification here: https://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/help-understanding-data.html
Additional Testing
Alongside E. coli and total coliforms, we are also analysing water samples for phosphate, nitrate, caffeine, and paracetamol concentrations. These parameters may help identify possible links between microbial levels and chemical indicators of pollution.
Phosphates can occur naturally, but they may also enter water bodies through sewage discharges or agricultural runoff from fertiliser use. Sewage-related phosphates may originate from wastewater treatment works, private septic tanks, small treatment plants, or animal waste. Testing for caffeine and paracetamol helps identify human-derived pollution in the water. These compounds are commonly found in sewage and wastewater, so their presence can indicate contamination sources that may also contribute to elevated E. coli or other bacterial levels.
Why is this important?
Clean water isn’t just an environmental goal, it’s a public health necessity, a community resource, and a cornerstone of thriving ecosystems. However, our rivers, streams, and coastal waters are under constant pressure from pollution, litter, and human activity. And, of course, there is the issue of untreated wastewater, including sewage, being discharged into our waterways, known as ‘spills’, especially during times of heavy, persistent rain.
The good news? The public now has access to real near-real-time data on whether any Southern Water Wastewater Treatment Works are spilling via their Rivers and Seas Watch page, and more widely via the Rivers Trusts’ Sewage Map. This transparency is a game-changer. It allows communities, local businesses, and water users to understand what’s happening in their waterways and make informed decisions.
We believe knowledge is power. By tracking water quality and highlighting spills, we shine a light on the invisible threats in our rivers and seas, because only by seeing the problem clearly can we drive the change needed to protect our waters for everyone.
Data
Please note this data pulls through automatically from an entry form that we use to record it. You can scroll down to see the latest data, and click on the tab at the bottom to toggle between Emsworth and Hayling Island.
Results are uploaded regularly but please be patient if the latest data is not listed – whilst every effort is made to submit it daily, sometimes it may be delayed during particularly busy periods. If you are interested in the full data set, including nitrates, phosphates, paracetamol and caffeine please get in touch.
Some of our samples may show bacterial concentrations that would correspond to “poor” bathing water quality (>500 cfu/100 ml) under the Environment Agency’s thresholds for bathing water sites. It is worth noting that the EA’s classification system is based on long-term averages from filtered samples, whereas our project currently uses unfiltered samples collected at higher frequency.
Terms and Conditions
Water Testing Disclaimer
The water quality data provided is for informational purposes only, representing conditions at the specific time and location of sampling. Users should not rely solely on this information for making decisions regarding water use, recreation, or other activities. Individuals are solely responsible for assessing conditions and determining the level of risk they are willing to accept. The Final Straw Foundation makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or fitness of the data for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of, or reliance upon, this data. By accessing or using this data, users acknowledge and accept these terms.
The terms Final Straw Foundation (FSF) are defined as including the organisation itself, all volunteers, any sponsors, advisers, affiliated organisations, and/or people in any way connected with FSF or advising FSF.
The water tests conducted by FSF and Hayling Sewage Watch are performed in good faith, sometimes at irregular intervals, and with limited resources for analysis, and publication.
The Environment Agency (EA) is the regulator and the relevant authority for supervising water quality, pollution, and sewage levels at Emsworth and Hayling. The EA is also responsible for public safety issues related to these sites. FSF is not responsible and cannot be held liable for any of these matters.
FSF is a registered charity, and this project is run by charity staff and volunteers.
Limitations of Liability
The information provided by FSF comes without any guarantees, warranties, or liability of any kind, howsoever arising. This includes, but is not limited to, any acts or omissions, inaccuracies, or relevance with respect to timing.
FSF excludes all liabilities, to the fullest extent permitted by law, for any actions taken or not taken based on information provided by FSF or any lack of information.
Neither the Final Straw Foundation, its volunteers, nor any affiliated organisations can be held liable for:
- Errors made by FSF in sampling and processing results
- Delays in obtaining or publishing test results
- Any reliance on the information provided
FSF shares test results to help water users make informed decisions. However, these results are only a general guide and may not reflect real-time conditions. By using our data, you acknowledge that:
- FSF, its volunteers, and affiliated organisations are not liable for any harm or damage suffered due to reliance on our data
- The information is provided without guarantees, conditions, or warranties regarding accuracy
- FSF excludes all liability, to the fullest extent permitted by law, for actions taken or not taken based on our content
User Responsibility
All users of Emsworth and Hayling must assess all risks in any interaction with the water, including but not limited to pollution, sewage, chemicals, and runoff. Users are responsible for themselves, their children, and animals, particularly if entering the water for activities such as swimming or paddling.
Users must supervise children, vulnerable adults, poor or non-swimmers, and animals closely. Any health concerns should be reported to the relevant authorities and are not the responsibility of FSF. Water quality can change rapidly, and test results may not reflect current conditions.