New CSSI app launched to help Donegal residents monitor river water quality

Communities in County Donegal have been invited to join a citizen‑science project as the River Basin Management Service (RBMS) launches the CSSI App for water‑quality monitoring.

The app enables volunteers to capture, store and share observations of local streams, using macro‑invertebrates as biological indicators. A beginners guide accompanies the launch, explaining how to identify six common aquatic invertebrate groups – three “good guys” (green caddisflies, flattened mayflies, stoneflies) and three “bad guys” (leeches, water louse, snails) – to assess water quality.

Anthony Coleman, Director of Services at RBMS, said that small streams are often unmonitored but are vital to catchments, and that citizen science can fill the information gap and complement professional monitoring.

Participants are asked to submit survey results to the RBMS, which will verify the data and forward it to the National Biodiversity Data Centre for use in catchment assessments. While not a replacement for statutory monitoring, the data aims to broaden spatial and temporal coverage, boost local knowledge and guide scientific investigations.

Community groups interested in taking part should contact their local Community Water Officer, Lisa McDaniel, at lmcdaniel@riverbasin.ie for advice, support and training.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Maksim Goncharenok / Pexels.