The letter was delivered to Defra, as schools from across the country gather to take part in the UK’s largest processional rowing race for school-aged participants.
The action is being coordinated by environmental charity River Action, which is leading efforts to protect the river from severe pollution caused by sewage discharges. In the letter, Sir Steve Redgrave calls on the Secretary of State to:
End pollution for profit by water companies and take firm action to ensure Thames Water cleans up its infrastructure.
Give environmental regulators the power and tools to do their job so polluters are held to account.
Sir Steve Redgrave said, “This is not just about rowing. It’s about all river users’ public health. It’s about our environment. It’s about the future of one of the world’s most iconic rivers. We won’t sit quietly while this catastrophe continues.”
River campaigners urge rower safety on poor quality water
In response to growing concerns over water quality across Britain’s rivers , British Rowing, River Action, and The Rivers Trust have developed official guidelines to help rowers minimise the risk of illness due to exposure to polluted water.
The ‘Guidance on rowing when water quality is poor’ advises rowers to cover cuts, grazes, and blisters with waterproof dressings, avoid swallowing river water, wear suitable footwear when launching or recovering boats, and thoroughly clean all equipment after use.
Sir Steve Redgrave emphasised the importance of taking protective measures:
“The Schools’ Head of the River Race is a fantastic event, but rowers need to be aware of the serious health risks posed by polluted water. By following these safety guidelines, we can help minimise the risk, but this situation is completely unacceptable. We need urgent action to stop sewage discharges and protect the health of everyone using our rivers.”
Erica Popplewell, River Action’s Head of Communities, added:
“We are thrilled that so many young people are getting out on the water, but their health must not be put at risk. We urge every rower, coach, and participating school to follow our guidance to stay safe. But guidance alone is not enough—we need the Government to take decisive action to clean up the UK’s polluted rivers, and Thames Water must be stopped from polluting for profit.”
Water quality testing
Water quality testing conducted by River Action last year on the stretch of the Thames used for the Boat Race between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge (also used for the Schools’ Head of the River Race) revealed dangerously high levels of E.coli bacteria caused by sewage pollution.
Tests using a World Health Organization-verified E.coli analyser recorded contamination levels up to ten times higher than the Environment Agency’s threshold for ‘poor’ designated bathing waters—where the Government advises against swimming.
Furthermore, River Action can reveal that in the last 6 months, Thames Water allowed 133 hours of human sewage to enter the section of the Thames used for the Schools Head of the River Race.
River Action continues to call for immediate intervention, including placing Thames Water into special administration, to prevent further environmental damage and protect river users.
Responding to the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold Thames Water’s £3bn rescue plan River Action’s CEO said:
“This decision is a disaster for Thames Water bill payers and the environment. Customers will now have to pay the price for the failing water company with about a third of their increased water bills paying for massive interest payments while our rivers remain choked with sewage.”
“Instead of allowing this interim plan to cause further financial and environmental damage, the Government must urgently seize the opportunity to place Thames Water into Special Administration before even more investor-centric restructuring plans are rolled out later this year. The current privatised system is a failed experiment, putting financial interests ahead of the needs of consumers and the health of our environment. Maintaining the status quo will only perpetuate this corporate takeover of the lifeblood of our economy and land. The government can and should step in now.
“The onus is now on the independent Water Commission to propose a viable alternative financial and governance model for the water industry that puts people and the planet first. This is not just about managing a crisis; it’s about fixing a broken system that has allowed private companies to profit at the expense of public well-being.”
ENDS
For media enquiries, contact Amy Fairman at media@riveractionuk.com
Responding to the High Court’s decision to approve Thames Water’s £3bn rescue plan— in a legal case in which neither DEFRA nor OFWAT opted to participate —River Action chair and founder Charles Watson said:
“This national scandal is a disaster for Thames Water bill payers and the environment. Instead of recognising now is the time for a special administration of Thames Water, the decision saddles customers with the responsibility for funding billions of junk-rated debt while its executives, investors and shareholders escape responsibility. Customers will now bear the brunt of massive interest payments through higher water bills, paying for corporate failure while our rivers remain choked with sewage.”
“We are extremely surprised that neither the Government nor the water regulator, Ofwat, chose to give evidence in court to support the public interest—leaving it instead to Charlie Maynard MP and campaigners Windrush Against Sewage Pollution to represent us.
“The Government cannot stand by and allow this reckless bailout to continue. It must step in, take back control of Thames Water, and put an end to years of environmental destruction and financial mismanagement – ahead of the even more expensive restructuring that Thames Water has planned.”
“The public’s outrage, as seen at the recent March for Clean Water, makes it clear—people have had enough. The Government must not only take back control of Thames Water but also pass the strongest possible Water Bill to ensure polluters pay and our rivers are properly safeguarded. The Government must recognise that clean rivers and healthy communities aren’t a barrier to economic growth—they enable it.”
As Thames Water’s top brass meet with the Greater London Authority to explore ways to make the capital’s waterways swimmable, the failing utility is simultaneously seeking High Court approval for a £3 billion rescue plan—prompting campaigners to demand that the Government take back control of the water company.
They warn that “a swimmable Thames is a pipe dream with Thames Water in tatters” and reveal dangerously high levels of E. coli were detected last week near to the site of today’s London Assembly meeting, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and action.
Giving evidence at today’s public hearing is CEO of River Action James Wallace. He says, “We applaud the Mayor of London for his bold and commendable actions aimed at making London’s waterways swimmable. His commitment to ensuring cleaner, healthier waterways for Londoners demonstrates strong leadership that will benefit generations to come. We have seen him take a firm stand against corporate interests pushing for a third runway at Heathrow due to air pollution concerns—now we need him to double down on tackling the water pollution crisis by standing up to yet more corporate polluters.
“Let’s be clear, until Thames Water is held accountable as the main polluter of the River Thames and made to invest in clearing up the mess of decades of profiteering and polluting, nothing will change and the Mayor’s ambition will remain a pipedream.
“As evidenced by soaring levels of debt and sky high interest rates, the privatisation experiment has failed. The only solution is for the Government to take back ownership of Thames Water and write off the bad debt that stains customer bills and the river. We call upon the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority to pressure the Government to put Thames Water in special administration and restructure its finances prioritising the people and the environment, not private profit.”
Revealed: 2025 sewage discharges and E.coli testing on the Thames
Since the start of 2025, Thames Water has dumped at least 784 hours and 58 minutes of sewage directly into the Thames, from its source at Cricklade to its mouth at Long Reach—wreaking havoc on vital ecosystems and endangering public health.
Now campaigners can reveal that last week water quality testing by River Action citizen scientists using a Fluidion World Health Organization WHO accredited verified E.Coli analyser, found dangerously high levels of pollution from sewage pollution along the River Thames at Greenwich near to today’s Assembly meeting. Between January 27 and January 31, River Action conducted eight water quality tests and found levels of E.coli up to 15 times higher than the Environment Agency considers the minimum acceptable level for designated bathing waters. The levels found were far in excess of what is considered ‘safe’ by the environmental regulator.
Protest led by Friends of the Thames Friends of the Thames, a newly formed not-for-profit seed-funded by River Action and directed by clean river advocate Laura Reineke, today leads a protest outside of the public hearing on making the Thames a swimmable river.
From 9am, paddlers, swimmers, rowers and community groups will demand a cleaner, healthier capital river for all; pointing the finger at Thames Water for persistent and often illegal discharges of sewage that pose a serious threat to human health, water security and wildlife.
Laura Reineke, co-founder of Friends of the Thames, said:“The Thames is more than just a river; it is an iconic symbol of our country and provides the water that sustains our capital’s economy. Its persistent pollution is unacceptable, and Friends of the Thames is here to ensure that action is taken, and promises are kept. We as a country have become disconnected from our nature and countryside; I’d love to see all communities reconnect with the Thames, and foster a love for her that flows through generations to come.
“We will present Thames Water’s representative with a vial of river water—a stark reminder that their duty is to protect the Thames, a living, breathing river they are suffocating with raw sewage.”Wildlife biologist and broadcaster Liz Bonnin added, “I join River Action in calling for the Mayor of London to hold Thames Water to account for decades of unchecked pollution in the name of profit, devastating this important riverine ecosystem and threatening public health. The company’s plans to increase customer bills, despite paying out £158.3 million in dividends last year alone, speaks volumes. We must make the polluter pay and transform the industry so that it serves people and the planet, as it always should have.”
ENDS
Notes to editor
Between January 27 and January 31, River Action conducted 8 tests on the River Thames at Drawdock Slipway, Greenwich. Tests results indicate an average of 8,233 E.coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml of water. To meet bathing water quality standards, this level should be below 900 CFU per 100ml to meet the lowest water quality deemed safe for swimming. Our highest recorded spike reached 15,000 CFU, more than fifteen times the acceptable limit.
Dedicated to uniting communities along the Thames, Friends of the Thames will advocate for 1) restoration; 2) hold polluters accountable; 3) build a citizen science network to monitor water quality from source to sea.
Friends of the Thames will connect communities from source to sea and closely monitor the Mayor of London’s commitment to delivering on promises to clean up the capital’s lifeblood river. The grassroots campaign group will build alliances with river users across the Thames catchment, spanning urban areas and the commuter belt. It will bring together existing citizen scientists and data and establish a network of new citizen scientists to fill in any gaps from the source of the nation’s capital river in Gloucestershire to the Thames Estuary at Southend-on-Sea.
Friends of the Thames will reach out to councils across the Thames catchment area, inviting them to sign a Rights of the River Thames embedding the rights of the Thames as a valuable and irreplaceable ecosystem, and giving the river a voice. This pledge will emphasise the shared responsibility of communities, authorities, and corporations to protect the nation’s capital river for future generations, and begin the process of changing the way we interact with the river, from using and over managing her, to a living, breathing artery that feeds us and the nature that calls her home.
For more information, please contact Laura Reineke friendsofthethames@gmail.com, 07989396210 .
High-resolution images and interviews are available upon request.
Campaigners have contested the public claims by Thames Water that River Action was ‘alarmist’ when it revealed the stretch of the Thames used for the Henley Royal Regatta was unsafe.
The call comes in an open letter to the CEO of Thames Water Chris Weston signed by British Rowing, a member of the House of Lords, the Mayor of Henley and river champions Feargal Sharkey and Steve Backshall.
Rather than being alarmist, River Action believes that Thames Water is polluting all the time because they don’t remove harmful bacteria from treated water before it enters the river, which is known as tertiary or quaternary treatment.
In late June, River Action revealed alarmingly high levels of E.coli on the Thames used for the Regatta, the world’s biggest international rowing event in the calendar; and a part of the river used for swimming events involving thousands of competitors risking their health. This followed a month of testing by the Henley and Marlow River Action Group in the lead up to the world-famous rowing competition. The testing involved a World Health Organization verified E.coli device, as used by the Olympic team in France to assess water quality on the River Seine. The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology said the data was “probably accurate.”
But in an interview with BBC television on June 28, Thames Water said in a statement read out by a reporter, “We need honest and balanced debate that recognises the range of factors impacting river health, rather than an alarmist approach that tries to apportion blame in a misguided way.”
Misleading claims by Thames Water on BBC Radio Berkshire
In the lead up to the Regatta, Thames Water conducted its own water quality testing, going on to give an interview to BBC Radio Berkshire on June 25. During the interview, a Thames Water spokesperson said, “Under dry conditions, we’re seeing some pretty good water quality.”
However, what the spokesperson failed to tell the listener is that the testing did not take place on the Henley Mile used for the Regatta. It took place at Hambledon Lock and Marsh Lock, some distance away from the racecourse. River Action’s testing was conducted on the racecourse at Fawley Meadows, where the effluent from the Henley Sewage Treatment Works enters the river.
In another twist, inspecting the water quality data from Thames Water cited in the BBC Radio interview, it can be revealed that on 4 occasions they detected E.coli levels considered by the Environment Agency to be unsafe to swim – demolishing claims put forward by Thames Water that they were “seeing some pretty good water quality.”For 12 days between 27th June and 9th July River Action’s citizen scientists tested at Fawley Meadows before, during and after the Henley Royal Regatta. Every single test was above safe levels of E.coli, on average 4,396CFU which is over 4 times worse than Environment Agency limits of 900CFU. If this was a designated bathing site it would come with a health warning: Advice Against Bathing.
In the open letter, the signatories ask Thames Water to:
Correct the record on water quality so that river users are aware that Thames Water testing in Henley did not take place on the Regatta racecourse, but at sites some distance from it
Properly invest in infrastructure improvements, specifically at Henley Sewage Treatment Works and Wargrave Sewage Treatment Works by implementing tertiary/quaternary treatment to remove harmful bacteria and viruses
Take responsibility for Thames Water’s role in the degradation of the River Thames catchment, and acknowledge that farming in Henley could be a cause given the lack of any meaningful concentrations of intensive agriculture in the locality, and clear evidence of sewage-related bacteria in the river.
CEO of River Action James Wallace said, “Our testing was rigorous, robust, used WHO verified technology, was independently approved, and published on several websites. For Thames Water to call us alarmist is a joke. We should all be alarmed and concerned that their creaking wastewater treatment plant at Henley is causing a risk to the health of the river and river users. They should focus on getting their business in order rather than trying to discredit citizen scientists for calling out dangerously high levels of E.coli on the Thames.”
The Mayor of Henley Rory Hunt, said, “I was shocked when in a recent meeting with river stakeholders Thames Water’s representative stated that the river had never been in better condition. This simply isn’t true and this is shown by the testing, and for Thames Water to state this beggars belief.
“Thames Water is the primary cause of pollution in the Thames and has failed in both its moral and legal duties. As a result of sewage pollution my constituents are facing disruption to their livelihoods and more seriously many of them have become unwell due to the pollution in the river. The pollution is also having a very damaging impact on the ecosystem and wildlife in our rivers, and if this is not tackled with urgency the damage could be irreversible. This is a serious public health and environmental issue and Thames Water should be ashamed that for years they have prioritised private profit over the public good.
“I am proud that Henley Town Council, and subsequently Witney Town Council and Oxfordshire County Council have passed motions of no confidence in Thames Water and hopefully many more councils will follow suit. The people of this county have clearly had enough and I am pleased to be working with River Action to address this issue.”
River Action writes to the Secretary of State for the Environment
As revealed in last week’s King’s Speech, the newly elected Government will
introduce a Water Bill to improve water quality by putting failing water companies under tough special measures by strengthening the water regulators.
With this in mind, River Action has shared the open letter to Thames Water with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Steve Reed MP.
“The Secretary of State for the Environment has said he will prioritise water quality, so we hope that addressing our concerns with Thames Water’s record on river pollution is seen as an excellent opportunity for him to show leadership and give the environmental regulators sufficient resources and powers to sort this mess out. The Environment Agency’s Environmental Performance Assessment published on Tuesday for 2023 shows Thames Water only reported 76% of pollution incidents, proving yet again they can not be trusted, not least because the record shows they were the worst polluting water company in England with 14 serious pollution incidents,” added CEO of River Action James Wallace.
Notes to editor
In the interests of transparency and to encourage openness about data collated on the UK’s rivers, River Action published the findings of its water quality testing at Fawley Meadows, Henley-on-Thames. The verified results are published here and on another site by the River Thames Water Quality Testing Group here. For ease of use, you can also download the report here.
This map illustrates where River Action tested on the Regatta racecourse, versus the testing done by Thames Water some distance from it. Here is a link to the Thames Water testing at Hambledon Lock and Marsh Lock, some distance from the racecourse. Use this graphic to understand their data and why, using the Environment Agency definition of bathing water status graded poor (when water quality is poor, the EA advice is not to swim), to understand why it was misleading for the Thames Water spokesperson on BBC Radio Berkshire to claim they were seeing “some pretty good water quality.”
Listen to Thames Water on BBC Radio Berkshire here. View their statement calling River Action alarmist on BBC South Today report.
ENDS
For media interviews call Ian at River Action on 07377 547 362 or email media@riveractionuk.com
We are writing to contest the public claims made by Thames Water that River Action is being alarmist in publishing E.coli test samples taken from the river at Henley-on-Thames on the Henley Royal Regatta course, and to ask Thames Water to urgently improve wastewater treatment to protect the health and livelihoods of Henley residents, businesses, visitors and athletes.
We are facing a freshwater emergency and companies like yours are failing to address it with the urgency that is required. This sense of urgency is shared by reputable organisations like the BBC, Financial Times and The Times and by communities across your catchment.
Dismissing River Action’s comments as alarmist diminishes the work of citizen scientists, such as the Henley and Marlow River Action Group, who devote significant time and costs to conducting testing to monitor the quality of the River Thames, and who have had regular meetings with your colleagues.
We understand you believe there to be a discrepancy between ours and your datasets. Our data is scientifically evidenced and is being used to inform the public of the health risks posed by the ongoing pollution caused by Thames Water:
Thames Water’s own data shows the definite presence of E.coli and other bacteria in the final effluent from Henley Sewage Treatment Works. This was further confirmed to us in meetings with your colleagues (e.g. on the 20th June) and their confirmation there is no tertiary or quaternary treatment of final effluent, meaning bacteria and viruses are released into the Thames everyday, not just in storm overflow events. Please see the annex for further detail on our findings.
The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology considers both datasets to be correct. The Thames Water samples were taken further from the source of pollution and therefore are more dilute; ours were at the point source and therefore higher.
Thames Water’s press statement suggested other sources of pollution (such as agriculture) could be responsible and that the water quality. This was misleading to the public and failed to take the responsibility and duty of care demonstrated by your colleagues in meetings with us. The combination of Thames Water and River Action results clearly show E.coli levels increase to unsafe levels along the Regatta course as the river passes Henley STW outflows.
Both the Henley Royal Regatta and the famous Oxbridge boat race have been marred by pollution and illness. Earlier this year, the Oxford’s men’s team cited high levels of E.coli in the river causing illness in their team which they say played a part in their defeat. Our data was released ahead of the Regatta to avoid any further illness and iconic international events being marred by pollution stories. However, despite being aware of our results this year, Thames Water told the organisers and competitors of the Regatta that the quality of the water was mostly good.
We the signatories of this letter representing the NGO and sporting communities, call on you urgently to:
Properly invest in infrastructure improvements, specifically at Henley Sewage Treatment Works and Wargrave Sewage Treatment Works by implementing tertiary/quaternary treatment to remove harmful bacteria and viruses.
Take responsibility for Thames Water’s role in the degradation of the River Thames catchment. We are the first to recognise that agriculture is a prominent polluter, but in the case of Henley, your claims that farming could be a cause are not founded given the lack of any meaningful concentrations of intensive agriculture in the locality, and clear evidence of sewage-related bacteria in the river.
Correct the record on water quality. On June 25th your spokesperson told Kirsten O’Brien on BBC Radio Berkshire that most samples met the threshold for ‘good’ status, apart from two days in May and June after rain where elevated readings were taken after rain. However, this omits any testing at Fawley meadows – at the very centre of the Henley racecourse – where the effluent from the Henley Sewage Treatment Works enters the river and where the actual Henley Regatta takes place. This is where our research found alarmingly high levels of E.coli bacteria. Your organisation was made aware of these findings before the event and did not show a duty of care to visitors and competitors.
We believe that rather than resisting the public’s demands for accountability, honesty and transparency, Thames Water should take a valuable step towards rebuilding trust by acknowledging your role in the demise of the river, and what you plan to do to resolve it. We would welcome the opportunity to help the community achieve this, and urge you to take responsibility and show the necessary leadership.
Please provide an urgent response to our requests. We would happily meet to discuss the actions you plan to take to address this unacceptable situation.
Yours sincerely,
James Wallace – River Action CEO
Charles Watson – River Action Founder and Chair
Co-signed by:
Angling Trust
British Rowing
Councillor Rory Hunt – Mayor of Henley on Thames
Feargal Sharkey
Steve Backshall
Dave Wallace – Henley and Marlow River Action Group
Freddie Van Mierlo – Liberal Democrat MP for Henley & Thame
Greener Henley
Henley Mermaids
River and Rowing Museum
Great Britain Outrigger
Lord John Randall
Royal Yachting Association
Surfers Against Sewage
Swim England
Annex.
Test results
On each of 12 occasions between 27th June and 9th July – before, during and after the Regatta – our results (select Fawley Meadows) showed very high levels of E.coli in the river water at Fawley Meadows, where the final effluent empties from Thames Water Henley Sewage Treatment Works into the River Thames via a series of streams/ditches.
With results ranging from 1680CFU to 8001CFU (per 100ml), we have demonstrated that every day we tested was much higher than the Environment Agency standard for poor water quality at 900CFU, regardless of whether it rained.
When combined with Thames Water’s lower test results upstream at Marsh Lock and downstream at Hambledon Lock, this proves beyond reasonable doubt that the STW discharges E.coli and other bacteria in its final effluent.
Thames Water’s staff have stated in meetings with River Action, and others including the Mayor of Henley and Town Councillors, that Henley STW does not have tertiary/quaternary treatment and so discharges bacteria in final effluent as a norm each day.
This has been confirmed through sight of your data showing final effluent with high levels of E.coli issued from Henley STW outflow into the streams/ditches that lead into the River Thames along the Regatta course. This is the reason why levels of E.coli increase after Marsh lock as the river passes the Henley STW, and with further distance and dilution why Hambledon Lock measures are lower downstream.
Your staff recognised that your permit does not require you to have tertiary/quaternary treatment, however your organisational press statements ignore this key fact and imply other sources of pollution are likely.
ENDS
For media interviews call Ian at River Action on 07377 547 362 or email media@riveractionuk.com
Water quality testing by River Action citizen scientists has revealed alarmingly high levels of E.coli bacteria from sewage pollution along the River Thames used for next week’s Henley Royal Regatta – with qualifying races today involving approximately 4,000 rowers.
With the General Election next week, River Action want urgent action from politicians on the UK’s water pollution emergency. The campaign group calls on whichever party forms the next government to adopt its five-point plan to save the UK’s rivers, including prosecuting the polluters, and properly resourcing and reforming the environmental regulators which have allowed the desecration of rivers like the Thames for more than a decade.
The regular testing on the Thames – near Fawley Meadows where the effluent from the Henley sewage treatment works enters the river – by the Henley and Marlow River Action group started on the 23rd May and continues until 7th July, the last day of the Regatta. Using a Fluidion World Health Organization verified E.Coli analyser, and results analysed by Earthwatch, the tests revealed levels of E.coli up to 25,000 CFU (colony forming units) per 100ml. This is more than 27 times higher than what the Environment Agency grades designated bathing waters as poor, the bottom of four categories. When bathing water is graded ‘poor’ the Government’s advice is against bathing. The testing locations suggest that the source of pollution is from Thames Water discharging treated effluent containing bacteria, and untreated sewage directly into the river and its tributaries.
Safety guidelines issued by Henley Royal Regatta
As part of its ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of participants of the Henley Royal Regatta, the event organisers have included the latest ‘Guidance on rowing when water quality is poor’ to all rowers entering the competition. The guidance was written by British Rowing, River Action and The Rivers Trusts, with the aim of minimising the risk of illness due to proximity to polluted water.
Included are helpful tips on the importance of covering cuts, grazes, and blisters with waterproof dressings, taking care not to swallow river water that splashes close to the mouth, wearing suitable footwear when launching or recovering a boat, and cleaning all equipment thoroughly.
CEO of River Action James Wallace said, “It is shocking that we have had to issue health advice to the competitors of the Henley Royal Regatta. Thank goodness the organisers are showing a duty of care to the rowers by issuing guidance that will help to keep competitors safe. Clearly, rower and river user health is a priority. We applaud them for their actions and hope everyone competing in the Regatta stays healthy. As we saw at the recent university Boat Race in London on the River Thames, there is a risk that rowers can become unwell from waterborne pathogens which not only affects their race but puts their health and sport at risk.”
Mr Wallace blamed the river pollution on Thames Water. “The river pollution is most likely the fault of Thames Water. On behalf of rowers and Thames communities, we demand that they stop this deluge of raw sewage, which threatens river users with serious sickness and the river’s biodiversity. This is a health emergency. The new government must get a grip of the water pollution crisis and ensure that water companies, including Thames Water, invest urgently in upgrading wastewater treatment plants and fix their leaky infrastructure before someone becomes seriously ill, or worse.
“Rivers should come with a health warning. Citizens are doing the job of regulators and industry because there is insufficient testing – even at international sporting venues – and no duty of care shown by the Environment Agency or the Department of Health and Social Care. During this election week we urge the public to vote for clean rivers.”
Responding to the results of water quality testing on the River Thames at Henley, Sir Steve Redgrave, the most successful male rower in Olympic history and Chair of the Committee of Management for Henley Royal Regatta said, “Today’s findings provide a stark reminder of the impact that sewage pollution is 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. Our rowers train daily all around the country. Our waterways are vitally important to our competitors racing, but also to all those athletes training on a daily basis nationwide. Our top priority has been, and always will be, the safeguarding of our competitors. This year, as part of the documentation provided to all entrants competing in the Regatta, everyone is being given the latest guidance from British Rowing on how to protect themselves.”
Citizen Scientist Dave Wallace from Henley and Marlow River Action Group who conducted the testing said, “The river in Henley is internationally famous and has one of the highest levels of recreational and sporting uses of any stretches on the Thames. It is so badly polluted by dangerous levels of E.coli and other pathogens primarily from sewage, as shown by our testing which can be harmful to people’s health. We need action now to clean up the river. We cannot wait!”
Naturalist and television presenter Steve Backshall said, “The continual release of pollutants into the Thames is causing havoc for wildlife and people alike. Events like Henley that have been running for 185 years are at risk, all because of inaction from failing water companies. The British public deserve better. In an election month it’s worth knowing only the Greens and Lib Dem’s are really running with fixing this public disgrace as a part of their manifestos.”
Clean rivers campaigner Feargal Sharkey said, “The Government has allowed Thames Water to accrue £15 billion in debt rather than invest in maintaining and upgrading their sewage infrastructure. This failing corporation and frequent polluter needs to be put into special administration and refinanced without a public bail out, with the new government assuring its 15 million customers they will not pay the price of decades of deregulation and profiteering.”
This General Election River Action asks all candidates to save our rivers through 5 asks:
1. SEWAGE – Significant reform of OFWAT’s failed regulation of the water industry with increased testing, fines, and investment.
2. AGRICULTURE – Clamping down on pollution through strengthened regulation of intensive livestock and dairy farming and increasing support for sustainable farming practices.
3. PUBLIC HEALTH – Ensuring the Environment Agency properly monitors our rivers and publishes transparent data and guidance about when it is safe to use rivers.
4. WATER SCARCITY – Building more reservoirs and fixing leaks so we do not run out of water.
5. ENFORCEMENT – Properly funding environmental protection agencies instructing them to take firmer action against polluters including by increasing sanctions.
“As voters make up their minds on who should lead the country, we encourage everyone to consider supporting a party that takes on the water polluters and demands reform of our environmental regulators and restructuring failing water companies. Everyone should be able to enjoy our rivers and seas without risking their health,” said the CEO of River Action James Wallace.
Hustings tonight at the Henley River and Rowing Museum
Tonight at 1800, at the Henley River and Rowing Museum, a General Election hustings takes place where candidates from the constituency of Henley and Thame will provide voters with the opportunity to understand how they would address water pollution on the River Thames and how their parties will solve the crisis nationally. Attending:
Caroline Newton, Conservative (confirmed)
Jo Robb, Greens (confirmed)
Nanda Manley-Browne, Labour (confirmed)
Freddie van Mierlo, Liberal Democrats (confirmed)
The hustings are preceded by short talks on water pollution and solutions with River Action, British Rowing, Earthwatch and citizen scientists.
ENDS
For media interviews call Ian at River Action on 07377 547 362 or email media@riveractionuk.com
NOTES TO EDITORS
River Action
In the interests of transparency and to encourage openness about data collated on the UK’s rivers, River Action has published the findings of its water quality testing at Fawley Meadows, Henley-on-Thames. The results, verified by Earthwatch, can be found on their website here and on another site by the River Thames Water Quality Testing Group here. For ease of use, you can also download the Earthwatch report website here.
On 23rd May 2024, the Henley and Marlow River Action Group commenced regular water quality testing on the Thames used for the Henley Royal Regatta. Testing continues until 7th July, the last day of the Regatta. Test results between 23rd May and 25th June indicate a mean, from 27 tests, of 1,213 E.coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml of water. This excludes our highest recorded spike (19th June) so far which reached 25,000 CFU, more than 27 times the acceptable limit. This reading was verified as a “good” reading by Fluidion, but we have chosen to remove it. The second highest reading reached 8,001 on 16th June. Of the measurements taken in Fawley Meadows, 47% were above 900 cfu/100 mL; meaning that they do not meet the threshold for sufficient water quality based on DEFRA’s Inland bathing water standards. To meet bathing water quality standards, this level should be below 900 CFU per 100ml to meet the lowest water quality deemed safe for swimming. By comparison, the Environment Agency conducts between 3 and 20 water quality tests at official bathing water sites between May and September to decide the status. According to the Environment Agency, an inland water registering 900 CFU or greater is unsafe to swim.
There will always be slight variations in the readings depending on the water quality testing lab or kit used. In our case we have used a Fluidion World Health Organization verified E.coli analyser with the results verified by Earthwatch. This coliform incubator – the Alert One – is used by the Olympic team in France to check water quality on the River Seine. It is regarded as highly accurate and reliable and is being used increasingly across Europe and the UK.
We have conducted our testing over the last month very near the Henley sewage treatment works whose final effluent – and untreated discharges – pass Fawley Court and enter the Thames at Fawley Meadow on the Henley Mile used for the Regatta. Thames Water test upstream of the Henley Mile at Marsh Lock and downstream at Hambledon Lock. They told us they test at those sites because they are easier to reach. We have asked them to test at the Fawley Meadows location, too.
Recordings are bound to be much higher near the sewage treatment works than 2km upstream or 5km downstream when the sewage discharge and final effluent are more dilute. We believe this is why their readings are so vastly different to ours and why, on one occasion, we recorded a reading of 8,000 and another of 25,0000 colony forming units (CFUs) per 100ml, which is more than 27 times higher than what the Environment Agency grades designated bathing waters as poor, the bottom of four categories. When bathing water is graded ‘poor’ at 900 CFUs, the Government’s advice is against bathing. The testing locations suggest that the source of pollution is from Thames Water discharging final effluent which is not treated for bacteria and untreated sewage directly into the river and its tributaries. There is very little intensive agriculture anywhere near Henley so the likelihood of farming elevating E.coli levels is low.
There is no legal requirement to remove bacteria from treated final effluent. This is known as tertiary treatment. We have asked Thames Water to invest in tertiary treatment at Henley STW and upstream at Wargrave or anywhere else that could be endangering the water quality of Henley-on-Thames.
The E.coli bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment. It can cause a range of infections including urinary tract infection, cystitis (infection of the bladder), and intestinal infection, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhoea, and vomiting. In the worst of cases, some strains of E.coli can lead to life-threatening sepsis (blood poisoning) requiring urgent medical attention.
River Action conducts citizen science on waterways to determine whether there are pathogens present harmful to the health of humans and wildlife. We are on a mission to rescue Britain’s rivers by raising awareness of the crisis facing our rivers, and the failure of Government funded environmental agencies to make water companies invest in their polluting infrastructure and to prosecute illegal business practices that cause river pollution.
Henley Royal Regatta
Henley Royal Regatta, founded in 1839, is the best-known rowing regatta in the world, renowned for its match-racing. It is one of the highlights of the summer sporting and social calendar in the UK, as well as the rowing calendar internationally. Nearly 400 races are staged at the Regatta, featuring Olympians and emerging stars from around the world.
For enquiries on any of the above, please email press@hrr.co.uk
River users alarmed at water pollution caused by Thames Water sewage spills will tonight at 17:30 stage a paddle-out protest on the River Thames near to the water company’s HQ, in an action coordinated by River Action and Surfers Against Sewage.
It follows localised water quality testing by citizen scientists in the area revealing E.coli to be present in the water. The testing took place between 9th June and 19th June and found an average of 741 E.coli colony forming units (CFUs) per 100ml. This is considered just below poor water quality by the Environment Agency (which is at 900CFUs) for bathing water quality standards, indicating that sewage is present in the river near to the headquarters of Thames Water and could cause sickness.
Chloe Peck from River Action, the group that supervised the water quality testing, said, “It is ironic that the testing we’ve done on the water near to Thames Water’s HQ indicates the river there is just about safe to swim in because wherever else they operate and we have taken water samples their sewage pollution presents a major health risk.
“Earlier this year we found extraordinarily high levels of E.coli on the Thames used for the university boat race – 9,500CFUs – and in that case rowers did get very sick. Our message to Thames Water is a simple one: take responsibility for polluting the nation’s capital river, clean up your act and invest to fix your leaky infrastructure. Meanwhile, in this General Election we urge voters to hold politicians accountable and prioritise candidates that want clean rivers. Nothing short of a total overhaul of the water regulators and refinancing of Thames Water – putting people and nature before profit – will do.”
Giles Bristow, chief executive of Surfers Against Sewage, whose End Sewage Pollution campaign is touring the nation in the run up to the General Election and helped to organise the paddle-out protest said, “Thames Water’s greedy, grasping hands are stained with the utter filth they have been spewing into this iconic river. Our waterways should be havens for wildlife and wild swimmers but these precious public spaces have been hijacked by an industry single-minded in its pursuit of profit. From the riverbanks to the beachfront, we’re hearing loud and clear that a furious British public is ready to reclaim our waterways from the polluters.
“Communities across the UK helped lift the lid on the sewage scandal and they are now demanding to know how their prospective parliamentary candidates plan to end sewage pollution. Working alongside our friends at River Action, we’re delighted to give those in Reading a platform to do just that.
“A week in to our UK election road trip, we have been blown away by the passion and pride people have for their local waterways. One thing is clear: no matter who wins the election, the public demands an end to the sewage scandal and a thriving future for our rivers and seas.”
Hustings tonight
Tonight at 1830, River Action and Surfers Against Sewage co-host a General Election hustings where candidates from the constituencies of Reading West & Mid-Berkshire and Reading Central will provide voters with the opportunity to understand how they would address water pollution on the River Thames and how their parties will solve the crisis nationally. Attending:
Carolyne Culver, Green (confirmed)
Henry Wright or Helen Belcher, Liberal Democrats (confirmed)
Tony Page, former Mayor of Reading (confirmed)
Olivia Bailey, Labour (not yet confirmed but likely)
Raj Singh, Conservative (not yet confirmed but likely)
ENDS
For interviews call Ian Woolverton on 07377 547 362 or email media@riveractionuk.com
Media can attend both the paddle-out protest and the hustings. For the paddle-out at 17:30 the meeting point is Hill Meadows Car Park, RG4 8DH. The hustings take place at the same location.
TV quiz show host Alexander Armstrong this week teamed up with River Action to conduct water quality testing on the River Thames.
The talented comedian and broadcaster, known to many for his work on BBC’s Pointless, tried his hand at water quality testing to mark the start of this weekend’s four-day Oxford eights rowing regatta and the city’s Clean Rivers Festival.
Mr Armstrong said, “There are few things that upset and infuriate me more than our seeming inability to do anything to improve our benighted waterways. It’s the most shameful failure of our age. Thank goodness the clamour is being raised but when will meaningful action be taken? We must none of us stop clamouring until it is.”
To help inform and keep rowers safer in the water at this year’s Oxford Eights, River Action, Earthwatch and local community members conducted regular water testing on the stretch of the river used for the regatta. This took place between 1st May and 17th.
Using a World Health Organization verified E.Coli analyser, the test results showed that on average the water contained 340 E.Coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml of water. This peaked at 952 CFU, which is over the level the Environment Agency grades designated bathing waters as poor, the bottom of four categories. When bathing water is graded ‘poor’ the Government’s advice is against bathing.
Chloe Peck from River Action said, “These are not the most alarming readings we have ever taken but they do still show levels of E.coli in the water indicating that the river is not healthy and may not be safe to swim in. It is important to remember that river pollution ebbs and flows and ideally, we would monitor water quality throughout the year to help river users keep safe and track river health.
“For the safety of river users everywhere, rowers, communities and conservationists are uniting to ask the Government to enforce the law and to prosecute polluters. River Action wants water companies to honour their commitments to the regulators and bill payers by investing in their infrastructure and stop dumping sewage. Everyone should be able to enjoy our rivers and seas without risking their health, but we fear that without urgent action someone could get seriously ill or even die.”
‘Guidance on rowing when water quality is poor’
Rowers spend a huge amount of their daily lives either on or by the water. British Rowing, River Action and The Rivers Trust developed a set of guidelines for rowing on poor quality water – first used to keep rowers safer during this year’s Gemini Boat race between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The guidance was issued when River Action revealed alarmingly high levels of dangerous E.coli bacteria from sewage pollution along the stretch of the River Thames used for the race. Sadly, despite the warnings, guidance and precautions taken by rowers, some of them still got sick.
Included are helpful tips on the importance of covering cuts, grazes, and blisters with waterproof dressings, taking care not to swallow river water that splashes close to the mouth, wearing suitable footwear when launching or recovering a boat, and cleaning all equipment thoroughly.
Ms Peck said, “Guidance can be issued but ultimately river users are having to take a risk. To help keep them safer we need greater monitoring of rivers for pathogens and a duty of care from water companies and the government issuing health warnings, not only for designated bathing sites but also major events and other popular bathing hotspots.”
ENDS
For interviews call Ian Woolverton on 07377 547 362 or email media@riveractionuk.com
NOTES TO EDITORS Between 1st May and 17th May, River Action conducted testing (10 tests in total) on the River Thames near to the Christ Church Boat Club, Oxford. Tests results indicate an average of 340 E.coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml of water. To meet the lowest grade of bathing water quality standards, this level should be below 900 CFU per 100ml. Our highest recorded spike reached 952 CFU, over the level the Environment Agency considers acceptable for designated bathing waters graded poor, the bottom of four categories. When bathing water is graded ‘poor’ the Government’s advice is against bathing. By comparison, the Environment Agency conducts between 3 and 20 water quality tests of bathing water sites between May and September to decide the status. According to the Environment Agency, an inland water registering 900 CFU or greater is unsafe to swim.
The E.coli bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment. It can cause a range of infections including urinary tract infection, cystitis (infection of the bladder), and intestinal infection, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhoea, and vomiting. In the worst of cases, some strains of E.coli can lead to life-threatening sepsis (blood poisoning) requiring urgent medical attention.
Oxford Clean Rivers Festival will take place on Saturday, May 25th, at the picturesque Longbridges Nature Park adjacent to the Thames, a mile south of the centre of Oxford. The Festival will have a family fun atmosphere with music, entertainment, and engaging talks from both national and local speakers. The festival centres around the state of our rivers, prompting participants to pledge their commitment to the restoration of these vital natural resources. The event will run from 12pm – 5pm and promises to be both educational and entertaining, offering attendees the opportunity to learn more about our wonderful river and how they can play a role in its restoration
River Action conducts citizen science on waterways to determine whether there are pathogens present harmful to the health of humans and wildlife. We are on a mission to rescue Britain’s rivers by raising awareness of the crisis facing our rivers, and the failure of Government funded environmental agencies to make water companies invest in their polluting infrastructure and to prosecute illegal business practices that cause river pollution.
Black Samphire: Stephen Fry lends voice to new folk horror film exec-produced by River Action exploring the perils of water pollution – released to mark World Water Day
Thames Water has pumped human waste into the Greater London area of the River Thames for a staggering 1,914 hours since the start of 2024 – equivalent to 79 days.
The damning finding, using publicly available data from Thames Water, is revealed by River Action in the run up to World Water Day (March 22) and the London premiere of a short folk horror film, Black Samphire, it has executive-produced exploring the perils of water pollution.
The data from 40 sites between Kingston and the mouth of the river in the east, shows that storm overflows managed by Thames Water, which is threatened by financial collapse and a possible taxpayer bailout, are almost constantly discharging untreated raw sewage into the river system.
CEO of River Action James Wallace said, “Nearly all our rivers have been polluted by water companies which, since privatisation over 30 years ago when all their debt was wiped, have adopted vulture-like business models. This has led to money from honest water bill payers ending up lining the pockets of investors with multi-billion-pound dividends and interest from debt. The water companies chose this instead of fixing their leaky pipes, investing in new sewage systems and reservoirs.
“Alongside pollution from greedy agri-business this has led to today’s freshwater emergency. We now face the spectre of ecological collapse on the nation’s rivers, loss of biodiversity and rather than thriving wildlife and pristine bathing water sites, a cesspool of stinking waterways.”
Black Samphire explores the perils of water pollution
River Action has exec-produced Black Samphire, premiering at the Brixton Ritzy Cinema on Thursday 21st March at 7.30pm. A panel discussion will follow with special guests including river campaigner Feargal Sharkey and Baroness Jones of Moulescoombe.
Black Samphire is a short film exploring the horror of water pollution through an innovative folk-horror narrative. It is a cautionary tale which examines the perils of toxic pollution entering our waterways and the consequences of ignoring the signs. By supporting the first film about river pollution to use the horror genre, River Action hopes to raise awareness of the collapse of the UK’s rivers and wildlife by reaching new audiences and showing viewers that this catastrophe is real and affects us all.
“The real-life horror show of our polluted waterways is mirrored in Black Samphire, starring Stephen Fry, Cathy Wippell and Ishtar Currie-Wilson who cinema-goers will soon see in the new Omen prequel,” adds River Action’s CEO James Wallace.
In the film, enveloped by the dark hues and eerie sounds of a ghostly marshland, a couple find themselves drawn to the strange black samphire whose tasty leaves are tinged by the effluent of a local sewage pipe.
A subtle, unsettling tale of insidious creeping horror unfolds; screaming darkly to an audience forewarned by folklore, and public outcry across the media of failing water companies, greedy multi-national agri-business and captured environmental regulators. While one character, Mari battles with an impatient boss (voiced by Stephen Fry), Isla retreats from reality towards an ending of unwitting violence upon the love that sustains her.
Cathy Wippell wrote and stars as Mari in Black Samphire. She said, “I am a keen open water swimmer and nowadays instead of just launching into the water, there are questions of hygiene and health to consider. That is one of the horrible things about pollution; it makes people distrust the environment they themselves are destroying.”
Noting how much she enjoyed working on Black Samphire, actor Ishtar Currie-Wilson who plays Isla said, “I think that horror has always been the leading genre in making significant and accessible cultural commentary and with our current climate crisis there has never been a more important time to bring these stories to the big screen. I would expect to see a lot more environmentally focused films within the years to come.”
Feargal Sharkey, vocal river activist and Vice Chair of River Action, sums up the call to action, “We have been ripped off for too long. It is time for urgent regulatory reform and polluting industries to clean up their mess. We must end river pollution now.”
For interviews call Ian Woolverton on 07377 547 362 or email media@riveractionuk.com
