Popular Thames swimming area receives ‘poor’ water quality assessment

A well-liked family swimming location situated along the River Thames has been assessed as having “poor” water quality. Wallingford Beach in Oxfordshire received designation as a bathing water site during May. This status mandates that the Environment Agency (EA) monitors the water quality at the scenic spot to safeguard public health. Local authorities reported that elevated bacterial levels in two out of 19 collected samples led to the unfavorable rating. The charity Thames21 submitted an application for the beach to be granted bathing water status in 2023. This 35m-long (115ft) section of the Thames is situated downstream from Wallingford Bridge. Citizen science surveys indicate that hundreds of individuals swim and paddle at this site during peak summer temperatures. South Oxfordshire District Council expressed being “obviously disappointed” by the findings, which were released on Tuesday. David Rouane, the authority’s leader, and Jo Robb, River Thames champion, stated their objective was to guarantee consistent water testing, enabling the public to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their swimming locations. In a joint statement, they remarked, “Rivers and streams are struggling to cope due to water pollution, including in the Thames.” They added, “While we knew bathing water status would not immediately solve that issue, it should mean Thames Water would be legally required to treat waste outflows to a much higher standard.” Dr Pete Sudbury, who serves as the deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council, described the outcome as “completely unacceptable.” He asserted, “All those parties that are contributing to pollution levels at this popular spot must clean up their acts with immediate effect.” Additionally, Wolvercote Mill Stream, situated near Godstow, received a “poor” ranking for its water quality for the third consecutive year. Thames Water indicated that most seasonal results for Wallingford Beach were classified as either “good” or “sufficient,” but noted that elevated E. coli levels were detected in the water on two separate instances. The utility company announced plans to conduct “extensive investigations.” A spokesperson stated, “Pollutants, animal faeces from livestock and wildlife, along with run off from farms and roads can also contribute to hazards found in watercourses.” The spokesperson also mentioned, “Nearby Benson Sewage Treatment Works has recently been upgraded at a cost of more than £9m… this will reduce the need for untreated discharges in wet weather.”