Water quality in an Isle of Wight creek is being regularly checked for bacteria commonly found in sewage.

Although initial samples of Wootton Creek, in July through to October, show 'excellent' to 'good' ratings, more testing is being undertaken to build a comprehensive picture.

Wootton Creek Fairways Association (WCFA) hopes doing do will ensure the creek can be enjoyed by users and wildlife for years to come.

The initiative, backed by Wootton Bridge Parish Council and Fishbourne Parish Council, involves regular testing against Bathing Water Regulations.

Tests are carried out at two key locations — near the creek mouth and the Mill Pond — measuring levels of E. Coli and Enterococci bacteria.

Chani Courtney of Surfers Against Sewage said: "Wootton and Fishbourne are incredible communities for setting up this kind of citizen science.

"Only by understanding the impact of sewage pollution can the drivers be there for the correct solutions."

Read more: 

Thanks to financial support from both parish councils, the WCFA will conduct ten tests over the next 12 months.

Some of the tests will be timed to coincide with extreme weather events, particularly after heavy rainfall when sewage overflows are more likely to occur.

Ed Hopper, chair of Fishbourne Parish Council, said: "This work will be of benefit to residents across Fishbourne and Wootton, as well as to recreational users of the creek."

Barry Abraham, chair of Wootton Bridge Parish Council said: “Having access to clean water is hugely important not just for residents and creek users but also our wildlife.”

Sarah Redrup, councillor for Wootton Bridge, commented: "This is a brilliant initiative and I applaud the Wootton Creek Fairway Association for taking this responsibility on.

"Across the country, almost 2000 people in 2023 reported to Surfers Against Sewage that they became seriously ill after swimming in polluted water. It is important for creek users to have access to water quality information so they can feel confident it is safe."

All test results are being made publicly available on the WCFA website.