High levels of E. coli have been found in London’s Thames River, and rowers in the annual Oxford v. Cambridge boat race have been warned to avoid direct contact with the water. It’s been a tradition for the winning team to jump into the river at ...
High levels of E. coli have been found in London’s Thames River, and rowers in the annual Oxford v. Cambridge boat race have been warned to avoid direct contact with the water.
It’s been a tradition for the winning team to jump into the river at the end of the race, Knewz.com has learned.
This year’s annual boat race between the rival universities is set to take place on Saturday, March 30. A tradition since 1829, hundreds of thousands of people turn out to watch.
However, water quality testing was held at 16 sites near Hammersmith Bridge – which is about halfway along the 4.2-mile race route – revealed “dangerous levels” of E. coli bacteria, CNN reported.
Oxford Coach Sean Bowden told the Daily Telegraph, “It’s a national disgrace, isn’t it? It would be terrific if the boat race drew attention to it. We are very keen to play a part and we recognize we have a role and a responsibility to it.”
The testing was carried out by River Action, which according to its website, states its purpose is “to apply pressure on industrial and agricultural producers to take greater responsibility for remedying the adverse environmental impact their supply chains are having on the health of our rivers.”
In a release on March 27, River Action stated it carried out regular testing on the Thames between February 28 and March 26. Using a World Health Organization verified E. Coli analyzer, the tests revealed levels of E. coli up to 10 times higher than what the Environment Agency considers acceptable for designated bathing waters.
CNN reported that the testing found an average of 2,863 E. coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml (three fluid ounces) of water, rising to 9,801 CFU in the highest reading. To meet the UK Environment Agency’s inland bathing water quality standards, E. coli levels should be below 1,000 CFU per 100ml.
According to their research River Action said the testing locations suggest that the source of pollution is from Thames Water discharging sewage directly into the river and its tributaries.
River champion and naturalist Steve Backshall MBE said, “I am appalled but unsurprised,” by River Action’s findings. He lashed out at Thames Water for its unwillingness to contribute to a $227 million industry-wide scheme to fast-track efforts to reduce pollution in England’s waterways.
“From where I am standing,” he said, “Thames water is one flush from disappearing down its broken sewage pipe.”
British Rowing, River Action and The Rivers Trust have developed a set of guidelines for rowing on poor quality water: “Guidance on Rowing When Water Quality Is Poor.” Among the tips offered are:
- Covering cuts, grazes, and blisters with waterproof dressings
- Taking care not to swallow river water that splashes close to the mouth
- Wearing suitable footwear when launching or recovering a boat
- Cleaning all equipment thoroughly
CEO of River Action James Wallace said, “We are in a tragic situation when elite athletes are issued with health guidance ahead of a historic race on the capital’s river. Our water quality results show what happens after decades of neglect by an unregulated water company, Thames Water.”
Imogen Grant, triple Boat Race winner with Cambridge, double World and European champion rower, said, “As a rower, the water I row on is my field of play, and the results of the E. coli testing show that rowers are putting their health at risk to do the sport they love. Thousands of people rely on our rivers for work and recreation, and they are being choked with sewage and pollution. More needs to be done to improve our water quality across the country, and testing like this gives us a picture of just how far we have to go.”
CEO of Fulham Reach Boat Club Adam Freeman-Pask said that this recent data “must serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, regulators, and water companies. The river is a lifeline for Londoners’ health and wellbeing, which we need to protect.”