Palintest, the Gateshead-based global leader in water testing and analysis, has donated a Wagtech Potalab+ water testing system to Supporting Wounded Veterans (SWV), a UK charity that helps former servicemen and women rebuild their lives through meaningful environmental work.
The donation marks the start of a pioneering initiative on the River Dart in Devon, where veterans are combining AI satellite data with hands-on water testing to monitor and improve the health of one of Britain’s most ecologically significant river systems. The project aims to develop a comprehensive, accredited dataset that can be used by the Environment Agency and replicated across rivers nationwide.
Melanie Randall, Global Sales Director at Palintest, said: “We’re proud to support this extraordinary project, which unites technology, rehabilitation, and environmental protection. Our mission is to safeguard water for everyone, and we’re honoured that Palintest technology will help veterans develop new skills, rebuild confidence, and contribute to the future of our rivers.”
The collaboration demonstrates Palintest’s ongoing commitment to making water testing accessible and reliable. The donated Wagtech Potalab+ kits – which include the Lumiso Expert Photometer, Turbidity Expert, and Kemio Disinfection instruments – are the same robust, field-ready systems used by governments, NGOs, and researchers worldwide to monitor water quality in remote or challenging environments.
Led by SWV, the project provides a unique rehabilitation opportunity for veterans living with PTSD and life-changing injuries. Participants are trained in environmental science, water testing, and data analysis, contributing directly to efforts to restore and protect the River Dart. The initiative offers both therapeutic and technical benefits, fostering confidence and purpose through practical conservation work.
Gilly Norton, Founder and CEO of Supporting Wounded Veterans, said: “The River Dart project gives veterans a renewed sense of purpose while helping to protect one of Britain’s most beautiful waterways. Palintest’s generosity ensures that our teams can gather reliable, high-quality data — something that will have lasting impact across conservation, research, and mental health.”
The River Dart project is supported by a network of organisations brought together by SWV, including the Duchy of Cornwall, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and the Environment Agency. Each partner contributes expertise ranging from scientific research and data validation to land stewardship and policy development.
In September, veterans visited Palintest’s Gateshead headquarters for induction and training, led by the company’s technical specialists. The workshop covered sampling techniques, data recording, and the use of Palintest’s analytical instruments to measure key indicators such as turbidity, pH, and chlorine.
The nine-month project includes regular reviews to refine techniques and assess environmental impact. The collected data will help build a deeper understanding of water quality trends, informing national efforts to tackle pollution, biodiversity decline, and salmon population loss across UK rivers.
Often described as a “canary in the coalmine” for river health, the River Dart is a vital ecosystem — and this partnership between Palintest and SWV showcases how science, community, and compassion can come together to protect the environment and transform lives.
