Introduction to Testing the Waters Consortium

Something remarkable! Competing manufacturers start collaborating, farmers share data openly. Water companies, citizen scientists, and regulators find common ground. Solutions emerge that no one could have created alone. This is Testing the Waters.

Where It Began

Testing the Waters was born from a simple but powerful idea at the UK River Summit 2025 - what if we stopped working in silos and started solving problems together?

The inaugural workshop brought together an extraordinary mix of voices - including Proteus Instruments and Anglers Against Pollution to Wildfish, Trace Biomonitoring, Thames21, Professor Alistair Boxall, Wessex Water, Earthwatch, GWCT, and South East Rivers Trust.

We gathered in a circle - no head table, no hierarchy - to explore the challenges and innovations in water quality monitoring. What emerged was clear: the expertise exists, the technology is advancing, but we need to work together to make real progress.

Please read the original commentary from the Testing the Waters: Monitoring Methodologies Workshop at the UK River Summit 2025 here.

What We Do

Testing the Waters is a solutions-focused consortium operating under The River Summit & Festival charity. It is Co-Chaired by Claire Zambuni and Hannah Gunter, Proteus Instruments. We create space for honest dialogue between people who don't usually sit in the same room.

We bring together:

Sensor manufacturers
Water companies
Farmers and landowners
Citizen scientists
Regulators
Environmental organizations
Researchers and academics

To tackle shared challenges including:

Data standards and interoperability
Monitoring technologies and methodologies
Section 82 implementation
Building trust through transparency
Integrating citizen science with professional monitoring

Our Approach

We focus on what works. Not advocacy for its own sake, but practical outcomes. Not positioning, but problem-solving. Not blame, but collaboration.

Every conversation is recorded and crafted into resources that support future action. Because this isn't about endless discussion - it's about moving from crisis to solution.

Why It Matters

Our rivers need more than good intentions. They need the right people, in the right room, working on the right problems together.

Testing the Waters creates that room.

Building a Resource

This is just the beginning. Over time, we'll be adding insights, case studies, and practical guidance from our growing community of collaborators.

Explore more:

The Original Workshop - Testing the Waters: Monitoring Methodologies
Our First Face-to-Face Event (coming soon)
Working Group Outcomes (coming soon)
How to Get Involved (coming soon)

Join Us

Whether you're a manufacturer, water company, farmer, citizen scientist, regulator, or simply someone who cares about rivers - there's a place for you in Testing the Waters.

Because the future of our rivers won't be solved by any one group. It will be solved by all of us, working together.

Contact us to learn more.

“The River Summit highlights that water is very much part of the fabric of our communities and uncovers the damage being done to our waterways. But the festival isn’t about lamenting the state of our water, it’s about bringing people together to enable change today and drive greater awareness for generations to come”

— James Cuthbertson, Trustee

“The UK River Summit is a vital gathering for anyone who cares about the health of our rivers. It brings together a refreshing mix of people - from policymakers to the public to performers - all with a shared determination to see real change. At Orvis UK, we are proud to be part of that. This year’s summit showed just how powerful collaboration can be, the conversations were honest, challenging and filled with optimism.

A huge well done to Claire Zambuni, the supporters and sponsors, for delivering such a thoughtful and inspiring day. The UK River Summit is more than an event; it’s helping shape a national movement and the momentum coming out of this year’s summit felt stronger than ever.”

— Aaron Rawling, Trustee

“River Action is delighted to support Claire Zambuni as a partner for the UK River Summit. The past year has seen yet another stark warning that pollution and water shortages threaten our rivers, wildlife, health and economy. Time is running out. We must bring together leading thinkers and decision makers to agree how to implement solutions with the necessary political backing. River Action will be hosting panel discussions on two urgent topics. Firstly, how to end sewage pollution for profit by restructuring water company finances and governance to operate for public and environmental benefit. And secondly, how to transition from wasteful farm pollution through river-friendly agriculture and food systems that reward farmers and feed the nation. Panellists include leaders from industry, government, regulators, academia and campaign groups. Together we aim to move the discourse from one of blame and fear to one of action and hope. No more excuses, greed or short termism. We support the UK Rivers Summit asking for commitment and investment in solutions for our collective future, now.”

— James Wallace, Trustee

The River Summit and Festival

Charity number: 1212554

Get in touch.

Telephone: 07921 299990

claire@zambuni.com

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