Campaigners are still finding sewage and E.coli in the Thames
Testing ahead of Sunday’s Boat Race prompts warning from Sir Steve Redgrave - story 59
Each year, Barnes and Mortlake host two marquee events that draw crowds from across London and beyond: the Barnes Fair in July and the world-famous Boat Race in April. While the fair welcomes around 25,000 visitors, the Boat Race draws ten times that number — some 250,000 spectators lining the 4.2-mile course from Putney to Chiswick.
This year’s Boat race is on Sunday 13 April and despite those numbers, Barnes and Mortlake seem to accomodate the Boat Race. There are displays in a few of the shops. Iconic pubs promote their views. Famous restaurants don’t advertise because window-tables have been reserved for months.
The race comes with a sobering reminder: the River Thames is still in trouble.
Environmental group River Action has released findings from a recent survey of the racecourse waters. Were the river officially designated as a ‘bathing water’ site, its condition would be classified as ‘poor’ under existing environmental standards.
A comprehensive breakdown of the research can be found on FulhamSW6.com, which reports:
The highest levels of pollution were recorded near Chiswick Bridge, where the race concludes.
In light of these findings, Sir Steve Redgrave has urged this year’s crews to forgo the traditional celebratory plunge into the Thames. It’s a call that follows a troubling precedent: last year’s race was marred by concerns over river contamination, with members of the Oxford team reportedly falling ill in the lead-up.
The numbers are chastening. Nearly 30% of the 41 sampes showed E.coli safety limits exceeded.
One interesting detail. River Action believe
.. that treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants including the one at Mogden have no restrictions on E.coli content and it believes this accounts for the high readings.
The only encouraging news in the article is confirmation the
Super Sewer has ended the emergency sewage discharges into the river during times of heavy rainfall.
There’s more details at FulhamSW6.com.