Can community engagement help towards cleaner water?

Water pollution poses a significant threat to global ecosystems and public health, driven by economic growth, population expansion, and human activities. The ‘Know Your Water’ workshop, organised by the Sustainability Working Group at the MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, and supported by multiple partners, aimed to address these challenges. Held over two days in 2024, the workshop brought together researchers, students, and the public to foster collaboration and raise awareness about water pollution. Participants engaged in discussions on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and microplastics, which are increasingly detected in global water sources. Conventional water treatment plants often fail to remove these pollutants, highlighting the urgency for advanced analytical methods and sustainable management practices. The workshop demonstrated the potential of participatory research and citizen science in addressing water quality issues. It equipped participants with tools to engage in water sustainability initiatives, emphasising collective and individual responsibilities. Key outcomes included increased interest in citizen science projects, recognition of the need for sustained collaboration, and the importance of addressing water pollution as part of daily practices. Despite improvements in water management frameworks like the European Water Framework Directive, England’s rivers remain chemically contaminated. By integrating community-driven efforts and advanced research, workshops like ‘Know Your Water’ highlight the importance of collaborative actions for achieving sustainable water management and protecting future generations.