The bacteria, which can cause serious infections, was discovered by the Henley and Marlow River Action group.
High levels of E.coli have been found along a stretch of the River Thames that will be used for the historic Henley Royal Regatta next week, campaigners said.
Using a Fluidion World Health Organization verified E.Coli analyser, and results analysed by charity Earthwatch, the group found that nearly half of the tests taken up to June 25 did not meet the Environment Agency threshold for inland bathing water quality.It comes as qualifying races take place on Friday, involving approximately 4,000 rowers.
A similar guidance was issued ahead of the Oxbridge boat race on the Thames in March after River Action found high levels of E.coli in the water by Hammersmith Bridge. “The new government must get a grip of the water pollution crisis and ensure that water companies, including Thames Water, invest urgently in upgrading wastewater treatment plants and fix their leaky infrastructure before someone becomes seriously ill, or worse.”Credit: David Parry/PA
A Thames Water spokesperson said it saw spikes in E.coli readings in two days in May and two days in June following rainfall, adding that “multiple sources are likely to have contributed to these elevated readings, which could include farming, industry, road runoff and wildlife”.
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