AI and QR codes power citizen engagement on water quality
James
An Environment Agency pilot is using conversational AI to connect the public with environmental information and reporting. The agency has completed the first phase of its Water Watch project, testing how artificial intelligence and digital signage can help citizens engage with bathing water quality across England.
Working with Hello Lamp Post, interactive signs featuring QR codes and SMS prompts were installed at bathing waters in the South West, Lake District and Yorkshire. When scanned, the codes launched a conversation with an AI tool that provided tailored information on local bathing waters and directed people to Environment Agency resources.
The system also invited citizens to share their own observations - such as pollution concerns or positive environmental experiences - creating a new stream of structured data to complement existing monitoring programmes.
By embedding QR-enabled AI signage into public spaces, the project:
- Enabled direct, low-cost interaction with citizens without the need for apps or accounts.
- Used AI to handle common questions and signpost to trusted government services.
- Collected real-time citizen input in a format that supports environmental investigations.
The Environment Agency is now developing the next phase of the Water Watch project, which will expand signage to new locations and create a national platform allowing anyone to take part from their local watercourse.
Image credit: Environment Agency
