Hopes new app will use citizen science to expand information on local Cork waterways 

Communities in Cork are being invited to discover what lies beneath the surface of their local streams and help build a better picture of the health of Ireland’s waterways.

The River Basin Management Service has launched new citizen science guidance and a dedicated app for water quality monitoring to mark World Rivers Day 2026.

The new A Beginner’s Guide to Water Quality Monitoring: The Citizen Science Stream Index makes it easier for communities to learn how to monitor their local waterways and the new app helps citizen scientists capture, store and share their findings easily.

Anthony Coleman, director of services at the River Basin Management Service, added: “Small streams may not always be monitored regularly, but they are an important part of our catchments.

“Citizen science can help bridge this information gap, providing valuable local observations to complement the work of professional scientists.”

Small streams account for more than 75% of Irish rivers and provide habitats for aquatic life, including Atlantic salmon and brown trout. The CSSI focuses on six relatively common aquatic invertebrate groups that can be identified with a minimum of training, divided into ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’.

By looking at which groups are present in a stream, citizen scientists can build a basic picture of its biological water quality, and repeated surveys can help reveal changes over time and support local action to improve water quality. 

Cork TD and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said: “By making water quality monitoring more accessible, these new resources will empower communities to become active stewards of their local streams, while contributing valuable information to help monitor the overall health of our waterbodies.

“I encourage communities, families, schools and local groups to get involved, discover the wildlife in their local streams and play their part in protecting our rivers for generations to come.”

If you or your community group are interested in getting involved, contact your local community water officer - Ellen Murphy via emurphy@riverbasin.ie.