New research led by Portsmouth University underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate the impact of polar organic contaminants on the Rivers Test and Itchen.
Test & Itchen Association
As well as being sites of exceptional beauty and environmental importance, the Test & Itchen Rivers are an important part of our nation’s cultural heritage. Internationally, the Test and Itchen rivers hold iconic status due to their historical association with the sport of fly fishing. The practice of modern fly fishing developed along these waters in the 19th century, with the rivers serving as a testing ground for the dry-fly techniques that were revolutionary at the time. Today, they attract anglers from around the globe, eager to fish in the waters of these famous chalkstreams.
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Find the latest data and research on the ecological health of the rivers and river management.
The Test, Itchen and Meon rivers are chalk stream rivers, one of the rarest habitats on the planet. The Test & Itchen are both classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with the Itchen additionally designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Chalk streams are globally rare, with only around 200 in the world. The unique nature of chalk streams comes from the chalk bedrock aquifer. When the rock is full and can hold no more, water bursts out in the form of springs. It is highly filtered, cool and mineral rich water with a constant flow. These conditions are ideal for the rare chalk stream salmon, a sub species of the Atlantic Salmon, which is now officially endangered.
Chalk streams are typically shallow and very finely balanced river systems whose eco-system is highly sensitive when too much water is removed and the flow decreases. Over-abstraction of water from the rivers, sewage overflows and chemical pollution is now putting these valuable eco-systems – and the salmonids and all aquatic life that depend on them – at risk.
We are working with river owners, local partners and the Environment Agency to bring chalk stream salmon back to the Test & Itchen at sustainable levels. Find out what we are doing and how you can help.
Our precious chalk stream rivers are under threat from pollution and removal of their water at unsustainable levels to supply homes and businesses. The chalk stream salmon for which they are famous is now an endangered species. The Test & Itchen Association is working to save our rivers and restore them to health so that future generations will continue to fish their waters for years to come.
of untreated sewage discharged by Southern Water into the Rivers Test, Itchen & Meon in 2023
identified in a test of our waters in 2022
homes that are supplied with water from the Test & Itchen
Planned new homes to supply with water by 2040
Become a member of the Test & Itchen Association. Volunteer. Or simply save water at home. Here’s how you can help.
Southern Water rely on our rivers to supply water to homes and businesses, often at ecologically harmful levels, particularly in times of drought. In 2018 a legally binding agreement was made that Southern Water find an alternative source of water to end the this practice. Due to be in place by 2027 at the latest, Southern Water continue to delay.
Untreated or partially treated sewage is regularly discharged into our rivers by Southern Water. This happens when the wastewater treatment plants cannot keep up with the pressure on them, particularly in wet weather. Some of these discharges are actually legally permitted by the Environment Agency under a system of permits. We need illegal sewage dumping to stop and permitted levels to be reduced.
Pollution from agriculture, road runoff, urban pollution and other chemical pollutants in treated water all find their way into our rivers. They harm or kill aquatic life, are a threat to the health of people and animals, cause algae to bloom and de-oxygenate the rivers. We need action at national, local and household level to reduce each one of these sources of pollution.
Would you like to fish on the Hampshire chalk streams? Accredited fishing guides and companies can give you lessons or show experienced anglers the best spots on the river to fish. Book yourself a fantastic day on the river.
If you haven’t tried fly fishing before and would like to know more about it, read our articles which will introduce you to the joys of this wonderful sport. Our latest article is by Jim Murray, actor and Activist Angler.
The Test & Itchen Association is a membership organisation, funded entirely by our members and donations from supporters. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in or a love of Hampshire’s chalkstreams. Our members include river owners, river keepers, conservationists, members of the local community, local business owners and those who simply enjoy the world class fishing or want to preserve the rivers’ unique environmental heritage. We all care deeply about the future of the chalkstreams.
Membership of the Association is open to anyone who shares our interest in conserving and protecting the Hampshire chalkstreams. You may be someone who loves to fish their waters, an environmentalist or simply a nature lover. Membership for River Keepers is free in recognition of their valuable contribution to the life of the rivers.
Owner members are absolutely fundamental to the work of the Test & Itchen. There is no obligation for an owner of a stretch of the rivers to be a member of the Association. However, most choose to join because of what we can achieve when we work together to protect the rivers.
The Rivers Test, Itchen and Meon are an important part of the local economy. Our commercial supporters are local businesses who value the contribution of our rivers and want to help protect them. If you are a business that would like to support our work, please contact us to discuss the benefits of becoming a commercial supporter.
If you would like to support our work conserving and protecting the Test, Itchen and Meon rivers, then please help us by joining our association.
Photographs reproduced by kind permission of: Elizabeth Dalziel, Jem Dunn, Hampshire Tourist Board/David Packman; Ken Takata/Fishing Breaks; Neil Freeman/Chalk Stream Fishing Ltd; John Slader.
Elizabeth Dalziel