Tickets available here for the UK River Summit. Learn more about he River Summit and Festival and Proteus Instruments ground-breaking Project that allows the Public to access live E-Coli Data for the first time in the UK in The River Thames and The Jubilee River
Families Can Now Check River Safety Instantly - First Real-Time E. Coli Monitor Goes Live where the Jubilee River meets the Thames
Simple QR code scan gives instant access to live water quality data - "Is it safe to go into the river today?" becomes an immediate, science-based answer
For the first time, anyone planning a riverside swim, morning row, fishing or dog walk can instantly check if the Jubilee River and River Thames is safe simply by scanning a QR code with their smartphone.
A groundbreaking water monitoring system was installed close to Windsor Castle on 4th June, giving the British public immediate access to real-time E. coli levels - crucial information that until now required laboratory testing with days of delay.
The QR code democratises water quality information that was previously accessible only to specialists, making vital public health data available to anyone with a smartphone. No apps to download, no technical knowledge required - just scan and see.
Why This Matters Right Now
E. coli bacteria are an indicator of faecal contamination , with elevated levels in the environment signalling contamination from sewage overflows and indicate potential health risks. During heavy rainstorms, bacterial levels can change dramatically within hours, but traditional testing methods create dangerous delays between contamination events and public awareness.
"When my son was young, I would have loved to know if the river was safe before letting him paddle," says Zambuni. "This gives every parent, every river user, the power to make informed decisions about their family's safety."
Revolutionary Technology Meets Community Need
The Proteus monitor represents cutting-edge water quality technology, utilising patented algorithms and fluorescence spectroscopy to provide accurate, real-time measurement of coliform bacteria. Unlike traditional methods requiring manual sampling and laboratory analysis, this system provides continuous monitoring with built-in cleaning technology for reliable, ongoing operation.
The partnership between award-winning Proteus Instruments and The River Summit and Festival Charity demonstrates how technology and community collaboration can address real environmental challenges. As an independent organisation not funded by water companies as well as other polluters, The River Summit provides the neutral platform necessary for honest dialogue about water quality and innovative solutions.