River Thames Reading - Water Quality
The ARGES Tryptophan, Turbidity and pH sensors were deployed on August 19th 2024 at the sites shown in red on the image.
The QLOG results screen shows the typical levels as recorded by the sensors. The sites were chosen as they are popular for river users for all types of sailing activity at the Thames Valley Park in Reading UK.
UK Local Tap Water Quality Comparison Results
A wide range of sensors are used at various times on the River Thames at Reading in order to record the water quality. The ARGES Multiparameter Sonde deployed at the Thames are typically configured to monitor for Turbidity, Sewage, and pH. The fluorometer optics are cleaned automatically by the brush unit before a measurement is made..
The ARGES Chemical Sensors were used to test local tap water and this has been used a simple comparison guide to the water quality as monitored on the River Thames at Thames Valley Park.
Tap water
Turbidity 1.3 to 1.6 (NTU - Standard Units)
pH 7.2 Typical level
Tryptophan 0.3 ppb (parts per billion) - Human and animal sewage indicator
The real-time SONDE was used at River Thames and the results displayed to a Windows Laptop Screen. All of the other ARGES Water Quality sensors respond immediately upon insertion into the river. The images below show a sample of the results recorded at the lake.