7-10 May 2021 was WaterBlitz Weekend, when 495 volunteers up and down the Dodder river system and right across the country became Citizen Scientists and tested the water quality in their local waters. The idea was to help Scientists in DCU Water Institute and Earthwatch Europe map the health of the rivers, streams, canals, and ponds.

Headline results already out show that the Dodder and the rest of the Dublin waters fared well vs London and Luxemburg (with Paris to follow this weekend just past). Dublin engaged the largest number of Volunteers, and showed the lowest Nitrate & Phosphate enrichment / pollution levels, but also the highest litter levels. https://freshwaterwatch.thewaterhub.org/waterblitz-results. In a very generous definition the “Dublin” Waterblitz was open to volunteers who applied anywhere across the country and we let sister river groups in Wicklow, Mayo and elsewhere know.

The Dodder showed overall good water quality (good news for the wildlife that was out in force observing the volunteers) but with a few worrying spots of medium-high Nitrates. Further analysis to follow when DCU Water Institute get a chance to draw their breath and get back to us.

Dodder Action Volunteers met with Dr. Susan Hegarty of DCU Water Institute, and talked the RTE film crew through how it was done in several spots on the Whitestown Stream tributary in Tallaght. We are told that the footage will be included in a new RTE nature series to be broadcast in October.

The big Waterblitz weekend may be over, but we welcome (and support) volunteers to be Citizen Scientists looking out for the health of our amazing Lifeline every day of the year. If you notice anything at all out of the ordinary (unusual water colour, odour, in-stream activity, pollution, etc.) drop us a message or a Facebook post and we’ll help you tackle it. Photograph and report any of our great flora and fauna (especially otters, red squirrels, pine martens, owls, badgers, hedgehogs, kingfishers, egrets, frogs, lizards, butterflies, mink) on www.BiodoversityIreland.ie and upload and tag any litter (type & brand) on www.OpenLitterMap.com. And let us know if you’re interested in training on water quality (chemical and biological) testing and water and habitat protection.

Thanks again to DCU Water Institute and to all the great volunteers especially families, school groups, scout groups, and others up and down the Dodder wildlife corridor.