Faversham Creek: Water Quality This Month's Headlines

Independent citizen-science data provides clear insights into the health of Faversham Creek and its tributaries for safe recreational use.

E. Coli

Very high in the Cooksditch, over 100,000 cfu behind Cyprus Road

Nitrates

Thorne Creek has levels at 5mg/l which is the highest reading anywhere this month

HIGH LEVELS OF E. COLI

There have been very high levels of E.coli measured by the Purifier building over the last couple of months and we think this is likely due to high levels of E.coli brought up from further downstream where we have also measured high levels at the Swing Bridge.

The levels at the Swing Bridge may be associated with the WWTW outflow but other sources in and around Bridge Road cannot be discounted. Additional focused testing further downstream will be done to address the source.

URGENT E.COLI ALERT

ON THE 14th October 2026 FAVWAT REPORTED THESE HIGH LEVELS TO THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY HOTLINE

INCIDENT NUMBER: 025718

Results: 9th October 2026

Access our spreadsheet for detailed results

Results: 11th September 2026

Public Health Advisory

E. coli Levels Exceed Safety Thresholds Near Town Quay

Recent independent sampling indicates elevated E. coli counts, posing potential health risks for direct contact activities such as swimming and rowing in specific areas of Faversham Creek.

Field Observations

Tributary Monitoring Updates

Our volunteers regularly sample across Faversham's key waterways, providing a comprehensive picture of local water health.

The Westbrook

Thorne Creek

The Cooksditch

Monitoring shows stable pH and ammonia levels. Occasional spikes in nitrates after heavy rainfall are being tracked for long-term trends.

Oxygen and phosphate levels remain within expected seasonal ranges. Our team is investigating localized turbidity changes near agricultural runoff points.

This tributary continues to be a concern with E.Coli levels in particular. Levels upstream along the side of Cyprus Road are very high.

Understanding the Data

Key Water Quality Indicators

We monitor critical parameters to provide a comprehensive picture of river health and safety for the Faversham community.

E. Coli

Nitrates

Oxygen

A primary indicator of fecal contamination, directly impacting human health for water users.

Excess levels can lead to harmful algal blooms, depleting oxygen vital for aquatic life.

Measuring oxygen determines how well the water can sustain aquatic life. Healthy water systems maintain a saturation of 80% to 120%.

Phosphates

Ammonia

pH (Acidity)

Excessive phosphate indicates human pollution and acts like a fertiliser in the water leading to algal blooms, this can seriously reduce oxygen in the water.

Ammonia is an immediate chemical hazard, levels should be near zero. Ammonia indicates recent sewage pollution.

High pH can damage fish gills and also amplifies the impact of toxic chemicals like ammonia.

Our Scientific Approach

Aiming for a Clean Creek from Clear Data

Sample Collection

Analysis

Data Publication

Trained volunteers collect water samples from designated points across Faversham Creek and its tributaries using sterile equipment.

Samples are taken for industry standard testing, measuring key pollutants like E. coli, nitrates, and ammonia.

Results are analyzed, contextualized, and published transparently on our website, ensuring public access to vital information.

Favwat

Independent citizen-science water monitoring for Faversham Creek and its tributaries.

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