E.coli levels in River Thames reach 64 times safe swimming limit after sewage spill

Levels of E.coli in the River Thames have reached 64 times the threshold for safe swimming following a sewage spill.

Fulham Reach Boat Club recorded 58,000 colony-forming units per 100ml of water. Inland bathing water is classified as ‘poor’ at anything above 900.

Campaign group River Action said the spill happened on Thursday, one of the hottest June days on record, when temperatures reached 36°C.

This was in breach of rules that companies are only allowed to release sewage when it is raining heavily.

While the affected stretch of river is not designated for swimming, there are often rowers and kayakers on the water.

Thames Water confirmed that there was a spill at Fulham Reach during part planned maintenance as part of the Tideway Tunnel testing.

This is despite the £4.6 billion Tideway Tunnel being built in part to cut sewage pollution.

Thames Water said: ‘The maintenance was scheduled during a period of dry weather to minimise operational risk. However, an exceptional and highly localised storm occurred unexpectedly during this time, which resulted in the spill.

‘While this incident coincided with essential maintenance activity, the Tideway Tunnel system played a key role in protecting the river by capturing and transferring significant volumes of wastewater for treatment.’

They added that they were reviewing the circumstances of the latest spill.

What is e.coli?

E. coli is a type of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals.

While many strains are harmless, some can cause illness if people come into contact with contaminated water or food.

Common symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever, with illness usually lasting several days. In rare cases, infection can lead to serious complications including kidney failure.

The bacteria can spread through contaminated food and water, contact with infected people, or exposure to animal waste.

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