An innovative project is transforming environmental monitoring in Ceredigion.

The Rural Connectivity Accelerator (RCA) project, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications to tackle connectivity issues in rural and remote areas.

This initiative is already making a difference by providing real-time data on water quality in the River Teifi.

The data, which includes nutrient and phosphate levels, is crucial for conserving biodiversity and managing the ecosystem's health.

It allows researchers and local authorities to monitor changes and take necessary action.

Councillor Bryan Davies, leader of Ceredigion County Council, said: "Beyond improving connectivity, the RCA project offers benefits like up-to-date environmental data from our rivers.

"This can help river users stay informed, boost conservation efforts, and support future planning.

"It’s a holistic approach that benefits our community and the environment.

"It also demonstrates how rural connectivity initiatives can transform our region."

The project is being carried out in collaboration with technology leaders, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), and local citizen scientists.

The LEO-based system will undergo rigorous testing from autumn 2024 to March 2025 to ensure it performs reliably in harsh weather conditions.

If the trial is successful, the system could be used beyond the initial phase, collecting data from monitoring stations along the River Teifi and its tributaries.

This expanded reach aims to offer a more complete picture of the river’s nutrient levels and water quality.

Local citizen scientists will continue their essential work alongside the satellite technology.

By contributing ad hoc water samples, they will enrich the data, adding depth and variation to the monitoring efforts.

All of this information will be displayed through an interactive dashboard, providing an accessible, detailed view of the river’s nutrient profile for stakeholders.

This dashboard is a core part of the Nutrient Monitoring Project, which the RCA programme supports.

If LEO technologies prove effective under real-world conditions, their use could be expanded to other areas, enhancing existing networks like the Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN).

This would support various sectors such as environmental services, highways, and businesses by providing reliable connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) sensors in even the most remote parts of the county.

This could address current coverage gaps, enabling more comprehensive service delivery and data collection.