The Environment Agency has begun to use a digital platform in encouraging the public to share information on water quality at beaches.
It has installed QR signage at Par in Cornwall and Combe Martin in Devon – initially for a 12-week trial – to encourage beach users to report, such as any signs of pollution and how clear the water looks, through the Hello Lamp Post platform.
The technology provider's website says this uses AI driven chats to create virtual intelligent agents.
When users scan the QR codes on their mobile phone they get conversational prompts to tell the Environment Agency about what they can see and to ask questions. The agency said this will help it to identify problems and take appropriate action.
Out-of-season intelligence
Its annual season of taking regular samples from England’s 451 bathing waters ended on 30 September. It said the trial at Par and Combe Martin will help keep the intelligence flowing out-of-season and contribute to a fuller picture of the sites through citizen science.
Jenny Tagney of Friends of Par Beach, which is involved with several water quality monitoring projects, said: “We are really pleased to be supporting the Environment Agency in its efforts to understand the major influences affecting bathing water quality of Par Beach.”
Hello Lamp Post has already been used to raise awareness of flood risk at some sites.
