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By NICK CONSTABLE Published: 01:35 BST, 13 April 2025 | Updated: 01:42 BST, 13 April 2025
Crews in today’s University Boat Race are being warned of a heightened risk of exposure to dangerous levels of E.coli bacteria.Almost a third of E.coli samples taken on the Thames by River Action UK have revealed water quality almost three times below acceptable limits.With downpours forecast overnight there are fears that swollen sewage outflows will increase the health risk still further.River Action spokeswoman Amy Fairman told the Mail On Sunday: ‘With heavy rain forecast, there’s a real risk the Thames will once again be flooded with sewage—just as rowers and spectators gather for one of the river’s most iconic events.’Just this week, we were alerted to a burst sewage pipe upstream of the finish line, pouring raw sewage directly into the course.’How much more evidence do Thames Water and regulators need before they act? The health of our rivers, our communities, and the athletes on the water is on the line.’The campaign group urged today’s winning crew to ‘think twice’ before throwing their cox in the river – the traditional celebration of victory – and called on Thames Water and regulators to act immediately to improve sewage treatment infrastructure. Crews in today’s Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race are being warned of a heightened risk of exposure to dangerous levels of E.coli bacteria Campaign group River Action urged today’s winning crew to ‘think twice’ before throwing their cox in the river – the traditional celebration of victory Almost a third of E.coli samples taken on the Thames by River Action UK have revealed water quality almost three times below acceptable limits (pictured: the Cambridge Crew celebrating after their victory in the 168th annual boat race on March 26, 2023)Other clean water campaigners have been quick to highlight the health risks.Giles Bristow, chief executive of Surfers Against Sewage said: ‘Today’s Boat Race throws the sewage crisis into sharp focus and foreshadows what holiday makers will likely experience over Easter – polluted water that puts their health at risk.’It’s time for the government to completely shake up our failing water industry.’A statement from Boat Race organisers read: ‘We have put in place a series of precautionary measures this year to protect the health of our athletes.’…[This] includes guidance regarding the covering up of open wounds, regular handwashing, a cleansing station at the finish area and highlighting the risks of entering the water.’Today’s event, which marks the 170th men’s and 79th women’s race, has also been dogged by controversy and bad blood off the water.Last month it emerged that Oxford University Boat Club complained that three Cambridge rowers – former men’s under-23 world champion Matthew Heywood, and women’s squad members Molly Foxell and Kate Crowley – were not doing ‘proper’ degrees but rather teaching diplomas. River Action spokeswoman Amy Fairman told the Mail On Sunday that ‘the health of our rivers, our communities, and the athletes on the water is on the line’ Last month it emerged that Oxford University Boat Club complained that three Cambridge rowers were not doing ‘proper’ degrees but rather teaching diplomas Today’s event marks the 170th men’s and 79th women’s race, with Cambridge victorious in both 2023 and 2024All three were subsequently blocked from competing by the race’s independent panel on eligibility.A Thames Water spokesperson said: ‘We investigated reports of a sewer discharge into the river Thames via the culvert on the embankment near Ship Alley.’We have carried out the repair on our foul water sewer and have also finished re-lining the surface water pipes. Mitigation will remain in place to ensure there are no further discharges at this location and will continue testing until we have completed the work.’We have and continue to deliver a record amount of investment to address our ageing infrastructure and the health of rivers. This includes £1.8 billion to improve river health in London over the next five years.’
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Crews in today’s Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race are being warned of a heightened risk of exposure to dangerous levels of E.coli bacteria, with water quality almost three times below acceptable limits
