Prototype drone tested for water quality at Windermere

The project, a collaboration between Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), aims to enhance the precision of water condition monitoring.

The drone's cameras capture the full spectrum of sunlight reflected in the water and these measurements can then be compared to the water colour observed from the satellite and analysed samples back in the laboratory to help determine the qualities of the water.

The ultimate goal is for drone monitoring to become a standard part of the water monitoring toolkit, complementing existing direct sampling efforts.

The test drone, equipped with high-specification camera sensors, flew over regularly sampled sections of Windermere.

The data collected was compared with existing datasets to verify accuracy and identify areas that require attention.

The trial was deemed a success, with the prototype drone payload showing potential for broader use in field campaigns.

However, the scientists acknowledged that investment is needed to make the payload smaller and lighter, which would reduce costs and make the system more user-friendly.

Professor Stefan Simis, Earth Observation Scientist for Inland & Coastal Waters at PML, said: "We are excited to be undertaking innovative research that we hope will result in an exciting and useful product for anyone managing water quality around the world."

Dr Stephen Thackeray, Lake Ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, added: "Conventional sampling methods using boats will continue to bring a wealth of information, helping us understand how these lakes respond to gradually changing pressures, such as climate change.

"But we are also aware of the need of water management authorities to respond rapidly to concerns of pollution."

The project has so far been funded by the UK EOCIS (Earth Observation Climate Information Service) and internal funds from PML and UKCEH.

The next step is to secure further funding to advance the project.