Government, Environment Agency and local harbour groups have agreed next steps after testing found a sharp E. coli rise in the River Stour at Christchurch Harbour. Action is being planned after high E. coli readings were recorded in Christchurch Harbour. Testing of the River Stour by Christchurch Harbour and Marine Society found E. coli levels peaked at 370,000 colony forming units per 100ml on 19 August, compared with 4,217 cfu/100ml during the same week in 2025. Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes arranged a meeting on Tuesday 15 September with Water Minister Emma Hardy MP, Environment Agency o
Action is being planned after high E. coli readings were recorded in Christchurch Harbour.
Testing of the River Stour by Christchurch Harbour and Marine Society found E. coli levels peaked at 370,000 colony forming units per 100ml on 19 August, compared with 4,217 cfu/100ml during the same week in 2025.
Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes arranged a meeting on Tuesday 15 September with Water Minister Emma Hardy MP, Environment Agency officials and groups including Hengistbury Head Outdoors, HENRA, Christchurch Sailing Club, Christchurch Rowing Club, Mudeford Ferry and CHAMS.
The meeting agreed to develop plans for bathing water protection, while DEFRA will speak to Wessex Water about monitoring buoy locations and whether planned wastewater infrastructure upgrades can be brought forward.
Mr Hayes said citizen scientists “should not be left alone” to find dangerous faecal bacteria levels, and added: “I want to see stronger monitoring, upgraded infrastructure, and bathing water protection.”
Martin Stewart, who is from CHAMS, said the meeting was “really productive” and that Christchurch Harbour was now “well on the map in Westminster”, and a further discussion will review the progress.
