The Henley and Marlow River Action Group recently tested the water at the Henley Royal Regatta site, where the famous rowing event will take place next week. Their findings show that the water does not meet the DEFRA’s standards for safe swimming, mainly due to high levels of E.coli bacteria.
The group conducted 27 tests from May 23 to June 25, finding an average of 1,213 E.coli colony-forming units (CFUs) per 100ml of water. To be safe for swimming, the number should be below 900 CFUs per 100ml. On June 19, they recorded a shocking high of 25,000 CFU, which is 27 times over the safe limit. The second highest reading, on June 16, was 8,001 CFUs.
The area where these tests were done, Fawley Meadows, is where the Henley sewage treatment works discharge effluent into the river. Nearly half of the measurements taken here exceeded the safe limit. This spot is also where people can hire hospitality chalets to watch the races.
Thames Water, the company responsible for sewage management in the area, has a different view. They claim their tests show E.coli levels that the Environment Agency considers “good” when the weather is dry. They noted spikes in E.coli levels only on four days in May and June, after rainfall. They also mentioned that their treatment works have not released untreated effluent since May 14. Thames Water suggests other sources, like farming, industry, road runoff, and wildlife, might be contributing to the high readings.
Thames Water criticized the River Action Group, saying they were being alarmist and wrongly assigning blame. However, the group’s warning follows an incident three months ago when Oxford University rowers reported feeling sick and seeing “poo in the water” during the Boat Race in London, highlighting ongoing pollution issues.
Regatta organizers have advised participants to take precautions like covering cuts and grazes with waterproof dressings, avoiding swallowing river water, wearing suitable footwear when launching or recovering boats, and thoroughly cleaning all equipment.
E.coli, which comes from feces and can survive in the environment, can cause various infections. These include urinary tract infections, cystitis, intestinal infections, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Some strains can even cause life-threatening sepsis, requiring urgent medical care.
Water pollution has become a significant topic in the political arena. The Liberal Democrats have promised to protect chalk streams and bathing areas from sewage dumping, while Labour has pledged to block bonuses to water company executives until they clean up the pollution. The Conservatives have introduced legal requirements for water companies to reduce discharges and have increased investment levels to address the issue.
The upcoming Henley Royal Regatta, which has been held since 1839, will see around 4,000 rowers attempting to qualify, with the first of about 400 races starting on Tuesday. Despite the concerns, the event will go on, but with heightened awareness and precautionary measures in place.