An investigation is under way after E. An investigation is under way after E coli levels rose sharply in the River Stour.Christchurch Harbour and Marine Society recorded 370,000 colony-forming units per 100ml of water on 19 August, compared with 4,217 during the same week last year, following regular testing of the Stour and Avon.Chair Martin Stewart said levels had “spiked alarmingly” and reported hearing of people becoming ill after entering the water, adding: “It’s a serious situation.” Readings have since fallen but remain above 10,000.The Environment Agency is taking samples and checking
An investigation is under way after E coli levels rose sharply in the River Stour.
Christchurch Harbour and Marine Society recorded 370,000 colony-forming units per 100ml of water on 19 August, compared with 4,217 during the same week last year, following regular testing of the Stour and Avon.
Chair Martin Stewart said levels had “spiked alarmingly” and reported hearing of people becoming ill after entering the water, adding: “It’s a serious situation.” Readings have since fallen but remain above 10,000.
The Environment Agency is taking samples and checking Wessex Water assets following a reported pollution incident at Christchurch Harbour, while considering several possible sources including agricultural pollution and private sewage across the wider catchment.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has arranged a public meeting after complaints about unpleasant smells. Wessex Water said its sewerage assets were operating normally and no recent storm overflow operations had taken place at or upstream of the location.
