is the river more of a brown colour this year?

Outinthedinghy

Outinthedinghy

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 May 2008
Messages
1,643
Location
The River
Visit site
I hadn't really noticed it but the misses keeps mentioning the River being more of a brown colour than usual. We're up near Abingdon.

It does definitely seem to be brown and it isn't because of rain I don't think.

So what else could it be?
 
possibly due to the amount of rain bring down lots of sediment,usually sediment drops out with low flows ?
River did appeared to be a bit more coloured than usual when we visited.
 
In the spring and early summer during low flows, the river takes on a bronze colour due to the algae bloom. But the clue is in the name, possibly from the Sanskrit, 'temesis' meaning 'dark'
 
I've been both directions from Oxford in the last couple if weeks.
the river looks completely different downstream of the city. I put it down to the canal water entering the river, but I didn't really notice at what point it changed.
 
Just been out from T and K down by Sonning Millstream not sure wether to put river water on me Yorkshire puddings it's that brown. Thought the loo had a bit of back flow trouble but no it's the water. Can't remember it being that brown even in 1976 or 77. Oooerr?
 
plumbob said:
Just been out from T and K down by Sonning Millstream not sure wether to put river water on me Yorkshire puddings it's that brown. Thought the loo had a bit of back flow trouble but no it's the water. Can't remember it being that brown even in 1976 or 77. Oooerr?
Click to expand...

but thats downstream from all those boats outside of tescos that obviously empty their elsans responsibly.....
 
That's true, there's a green narrow boat just upstream of Sonning lock, not moved in 2 years at least. Bet he's full by now!
 
Cruising upstream currently and this morning just above Shiplake lock (pump out still broken and no rubbish disposal, but fresh water ok) the water has changed colour to a dark brown. A remarkable change of colour about at the first Island.
 
River green again today at Oxford and upstream. Great trip out, had lunch at the Talbot in Eynsham - good value and no reservation needed. Got up to the Ferryman inn and back. Very friendly lock-keepers, sunny, and all on a bank hol. But still a very quiet stretch of the Thames!
 
There will be variation in colour along different reaches, especially in low flows, dependent on where the tributaries join the main river and treatment plants are located. Nitrate run off from agricultural fields and water returned to the river system from treatment plants can add nutrients that algae thrive on thus causing it to bloom giving the copper colour you have noticed.
 
It was back to its normal colour, but chocolate brown at Bell Weir. When I got back to my mooring today, it was so clear I could see my props.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top