River Roding 'dangerously high levels' of bacteria found

Environmental charity Thames 21 released the findings of a water quality monitoring programme which took place between May and September last year.

Sample analysis showed that "untreated sewage discharges and unpermitted outfalls have caused dangerously high levels of bacteria to be found at multiple sites across a nine-mile stretch of the River Roding".

Samples taken across seven sites of the river "failed to meet sufficient bathing water regulation standards for safe swimming for both E.coli and intestinal enterococci," the report said.

The Roding is London's third largest river. Its source is in rural Essex and it flows through east London before joining the River Thames at Barking Creek.

Thames21 said the worst results at an "unpermitted outfall" on the Alders Brook appeared to be severely impacting water quality in Ilford.

Chris Coode, Thames21’s chief executive, urged for immediate action to be taken.

"The harmful levels of bacteria detected demonstrate significant failures within the wastewater network.” 

The report found that sites upstream saw better water quality, with the lowest bacteria levels found in Woodford.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We understand the increasing interest to use England’s rivers for recreation and to access the proven benefits to physical and mental health and wellbeing. However up until very recently rivers have not been managed for this purpose.

“Current regulations for rivers and open waters in England protect wildlife and are not designed for the protection of human health – with bacteria found in pollution from sewage and animal slurry posing the two biggest risks.

“The Environment Agency monitors E.coli levels at designated bathing waters, however, the River Roding is not a designated bathing water.

"If people suspect a pollution incident has occurred in a watercourse, they can report it to our incident line on 0800 807060.”

Thames Water has not responded to a request for comment.