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Teledyne Valeport Technology Powers New Water Quality Monitoring Project in South Hams

Posted 19 August 2025  |  News

Teledyne Valeport is proud to be at the heart of a pioneering new initiative to improve water quality across South Hams, Devon. In collaboration with South Hams District Council, the University of Plymouth, and Innovate UK, we’ve supplied advanced environmental monitoring instrumentation that will provide real-time insights into the health of local rivers and estuaries.

This government-funded project marks a significant step forward in making water quality data more transparent and accessible to the public. For the first time, communities, researchers, and agencies will be able to view live data from key locations across the district via an online dashboard, launching later in 2025.

Local Innovation for Local Impact

This project will utilise our mini CT, pH and Hyperion optical sensors, all of which have been designed and manufactured at our Totnes facility. These instruments, used globally in marine and freshwater monitoring, are now being deployed in our own backyard to help tackle pollution and protect the natural environment.

Amy Thompson, Innovation & Product Manager at Teledyne Valeport, commented:

“At a time when concerns about water quality have understandably come to the forefront, we’re pleased to be working alongside South Hams District Council on this project. Our sensors have the ability to provide the kind of real-time insights into water quality that we hope will enable decisions around tackling water pollution that benefit both the environment and the local communities.”

A Collaborative Effort

The project was officially launched on 14 August, with councillors and project partners gathering at Teledyne Valeport to mark the handover of the monitoring equipment. Once installed, the sensors will operate continuously, detecting changes in water conditions that may indicate pollution events.

Community-led river and estuary groups have played a vital role in shaping the project, advising on sensor placement and helping raise awareness locally. From the Yealm to the Avon, Dart, Erme and Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary, their input has been instrumental.

Cllr John McKay, Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity at South Hams District Council, said:

“This is a brilliant example of what can happen when communities, researchers and businesses join forces to tackle real problems. Local groups have been key to shaping this project – and now we’re giving them, and everyone else, access to real-time water quality data so we can all play a part in protecting our rivers and coastline.”

Scientific Support

Experts from the University of Plymouth will support the deployment and analysis of the sensor data. Professor Simon Ussher, Professor of Marine and Analytical Chemistry, noted:

“There are many things that impact water quality in our rivers and seas, and gathering observations and data is critical if we are to make positive changes for the future. This project will be a significant step towards that in the South Hams, helping us to prevent future environmental degradation of our waterways by improving awareness and understanding within our local communities.”

We’re excited to see our technology contribute to such an important local initiative and look forward to the positive environmental impact this project will bring.

South Hams District Council

Learn more about the project here.