High levels of harmful bacteria found in river at Henley before regatta

Harmful E coli bacteria have been found at high levels at Henley, where elite rowers are to compete in an international regatta next week.

- Sandra Laville

Water quality testing in the Henley Mile, part of the regatta course outside the Oxfordshire town, has revealed mean levels of 1,213 E coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml of water, across 27 tests. Where Ecoli levels are above 900 CFU/100ml, the water quality is deemed poor, according to bathing water designations.

The highest reading recorded by campaigners from River Action reached 25,000 CFU/100ml, more than 27 times the acceptable limit for bathing water. The second highest reading was 8,001 CFU/100ml.

As a result of the testing, Henley Royal Regatta organisers are warning the 4,000 elite rowers to protect themselves from sickness and infection from the water. Rowers are being advised to cover cuts and to try to avoid swallowing splashes.

Sir Steve Redgrave, a former Olympic rower and chair of the Henley Royal Regatta committee of management, said the findings were a stark reminder of the impact that sewage pollution was having on our rivers.

"Henley Royal Regatta supports the research undertaken by River Action, which highlights the essential work that needs to be done to improve the cleanliness of our waterways for all to enjoy," he said.