High levels of E coli found at Henley days before international regatta

High levels of E. coli bacteria have been discovered in the Henley Mile, part of the Henley Royal Regatta course, just days before the international rowing event. Water quality tests conducted by campaigners from River Action revealed mean E. coli levels of 1,213 colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml of water across 27 tests, significantly exceeding the acceptable limit for bathing water, which is 900 CFU/100ml. The highest recorded level was 25,000 CFU/100ml, which is over 27 times the acceptable limit.

As a result, the organisers of the Henley Royal Regatta have warned the 4,000 rowers to take precautions to protect themselves from potential sickness and infection. Rowers are advised to cover any cuts and avoid swallowing river water.

Sir Steve Redgrave, former Olympic rower and chair of the Henley Royal Regatta committee, emphasized the importance of clean waterways for athletes and supported River Action’s research, highlighting the need for improved water quality in UK rivers.

Thames Water, however, denied responsibility for the increased bacteria levels, attributing the rise to industrial runoff, road runoff, and parasites from livestock and birds. The company claimed its own tests, conducted since May at different locations, showed generally safe levels of E. coli, with only four days of elevated readings.

River Action criticized Thames Water’s testing locations, arguing they were too far from the regatta course and thus less affected by sewage. Dave Wallace of River Action, who conducted the tests with a WHO-verified E. coli analyser, stated that their testing at the high-use recreational area of the Henley Mile showed significant contamination, with 47% of readings above the safe limit between 28 May and 25 June.

James Wallace, CEO of River Action, expressed concern over the need to issue health advice to the competitors and commended the regatta organizers for their proactive measures to ensure rowers’ safety.