Concerningly elevated: E.coli found in River Thames prior to renowned regatta

• The River Thames in the U.K. has been found to contain "alarmingly high" levels of harmful E.coli bacteria just before the international Henley Regatta, where elite rowers are scheduled to compete.
• An anti-pollution campaign group, River Action, discovered E.coli bacteria levels in water up to 27 times the acceptable limit for bathing.
• While generally harmless, E.coli bacteria can produce toxins that lead to severe illness.

The River Thames in the U.K. has been found to contain high levels of harmful E.coli bacteria just before the international Henley Regatta, prompting anti-pollution campaigners to issue a warning.

Since 1839, the iconic regatta has been held along the waterway, and from Tuesday onwards, around 4,000 rowers from across the globe will compete in 400 races to qualify for the event.

The River Action campaign group conducted water quality testing before the race and discovered E.coli bacteria levels up to 27 times the acceptable limit for bathing water, raising health concerns after a surge in E.coli cases in the country.

While generally harmless, E.coli bacteria can produce dangerous toxins that lead to severe illness.

The Henley Mile regatta course outside Oxfordshire was tested for water quality by River Action 27 times between May 23 and June 25. The average of 1,213 E.coli colony forming units (CFUs) per 100ml of water was found. River Action warned that the levels were "alarmingly high" in a statement on Thursday.

The Environment Agency's inland bathing water quality standards state that anything above 900 CFUs/100ml is a threat to public health, according to a campaign group.

More than 47% of readings exceeded the acceptable limit, with the highest reading being 25,000 CFUs/100ml, which is 27 times higher.

E.coli levels in March tests were up to 10 times higher, as found by River Action.

Thames Water, the organization responsible for managing water supply in the area, was accused of inadequately managing water hygiene levels by James Wallace, CEO of River Action.

The water pollution crisis requires immediate action from the new government. They must ensure that water companies, including Thames Water, invest in upgrading wastewater treatment plants and fixing their leaky infrastructure to prevent serious illness or death.

CNBC reached out to Thames Water for comment on the study's findings, but the company did not respond immediately. The BBC reported that Thames Water labeled the findings as "alarmist" and stated that it was monitoring bacteria levels. Additionally, CNBC contacted the government's environment agency, but they did not respond promptly.

The impact of sewage pollution was emphasized by Sir Steve Redgrave, the former Olympic rower and chair of the Henley Royal Regatta committee of management, as a "stark reminder."

"Our waterways are essential not only for our competitors' racing but also for the daily training of athletes nationwide," he stated.

Thousands of spectators will be present at Henley on Thames for the regatta, and rowers are advised to protect their cuts and blisters and refrain from consuming river water. The event will continue until Sunday.

The UK has experienced an increase in E.coli cases, resulting in the deaths of two individuals with pre-existing health conditions due to infection with the STEC strain. One of these deaths is believed to be directly related to the STEC infection, according to the UKHSA.

It is believed that the specific strain was transmitted through lettuce leaves in pre-made sandwiches.

The UKHSA announced on Thursday that 275 cases of the strain have been confirmed as of June 25, and advised individuals to be cautious of symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever.