Version: 0.0.2 | Published: 20 Jul 2022 | Updated: 1018 days ago
Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Water Survey
Dataset
Documentation
Associated Media:
Description:
Since 2007, OPAL's citizen scientists have collectively built a wealth of environmental data. To ensure that this rich source of information may continue to be used by researchers and the wider public, spreadsheets containing data for OPAL's core UK-wide surveys can be downloaded using the links on this page.
Surprisingly little is known about the quality of the UK’s freshwater bodies. Ponds, rivers and lakes support a huge variety of plants and animals, and us too. Good water quality is essential for a functioning, healthy ecosystem. However, water is easily affected by pollutants from the air and on land. The aim of the OPAL Water Survey was to provide a national ‘snap-shot’ assessment of water quality for as many lakes and ponds across the UK as possible, and, in doing so, to improve education and awareness of aquatic environments.
The Water Survey includes four activities to help participants build a picture of water quality in their local environment:
Measuring water clarity – using the OPALometer
Measuring water pH using a dip-strip
Recording the presence or absence of aquatic invertebrate ‘indicator species’
Recording the presence or absence of amphibians, dragonflies, damselflies and duckweed
Is Part Of:
NOT APPLICABLE
Coverage
Spatial
Geographical Levels:
- country
- county
Temporal
Start Date:
01 January 2007
End Date:
31 December 2019
Frequency:
STATIC
Provenance
Source:
Survey
Purpose:
Study
Access and Governance
Access
Access Rights:
Jurisdiction:
- England and Wales
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
Data Controller:
Imperial College London
Format and Standards
Languages:
ENGLISH
Origin
Name:
Data Catalogue