Oxford-Cambridge boat racers warned of “alarmingly high” E. coli levels in London’s sewage-infused Thames
Women rowers turn tide on long-time British tradition
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The famous Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, which takes place every year on the River Thames, was expected to go ahead this weekend despite warnings about “alarmingly high” levels of E. coli bacteria in the water.
The environmental group River Action said Wednesday that it had regularly tested the section of the Thames where the race takes place between February 28 and March 26 and found E. coli levels up to 10 times higher than what U.K. environmental authorities consider the worst category for public bathing. Even at the worst rating, far lower than what was found in the Thames, authorities warn against exposure.
“The testing locations suggest that the source of pollution is from Thames Water discharging sewage directly into the river and its tributaries,” River Action said in a statement.
Bloomberg
The group said it had worked with the organizers of the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race to create guidelines for rowing in polluted waters, which include tips such as covering cuts and blisters with waterproof dressings and making sure not to swallow river water that may splash close to the mouth.
Haley Ott
Source: cbsnews.com