River in Oxford becomes second in England to achieve bathing water status

A stretch of the Thames will become the second designated river bathing spot in England after record levels of support. 

The Wolvercote Mill Stream in north Oxford will be regularly monitored for harmful bacterial levels during the swimming season between May and September. 

The decision came after a campaign by locals who want the monitoring to lead to cleaner water at the spot. 

The consultation had 1,267 responses, with just seven not in favour of designating the site, a record level. 

The river has an average of 46 swimmers a day during the peak season, but tests have found levels of e-coli bacteria exceeding the threshold level for safe bathing water quality.

The designation does not guarantee clean water, but is expected to put pressure on Thames Water and local landowners to stop pollutants entering the area and will enable locals to know when it is safe to swim. 

Raw sewage overflows

A 2021 study of local river water quality found no stretch of water in Oxford would be classified as fit for bathing, with the main cause being raw sewage overflows. 

Raw sewage was discharged for over 1,500 hours from five overflow locations in Oxford, according to data from the Environment Agency. 

England has only one other river with designated bathing status, a stretch of the River Wharfe at Ilkley, West Yorkshire, which was rated “poor” for water quality after tests in January found evidence of human and animal bacteria. 

Claire Robertson, Oxford Rivers Project Officer at Thames21, said: “I’m overjoyed this designation is going ahead. This stretch of river is a regularly used and treasured place for hundreds of people - families, swimmers, kayakers, rowers, anglers, birdwatchers - and a home for many other creatures, and this is the very least it deserves.

“I’m looking forward to working locally with Thames Water and other partners to ensure the water quality improves, and nationally to help other groups protect their local rivers.”

The East Cowes Esplanade on the Isle of Wight will be added to the list of designated bathing spots, which includes coastal waters. 

MPs have called for water companies to ensure that at least one stretch of river in each of their areas is monitored by 2025.

‘Water quality won’t change overnight’ 

Polling for The Telegraph earlier this year found that more than 80 per cent of people expect to be able to safely swim in a local river, despite officials from the Environment Agency insisting they are not intended for human use.

“While bathing water quality has improved in recent years and England now has the cleanest bathing waters since records began, we know that water quality at these sites won’t change overnight. 

“It will take time and all those with a role to play must commit to achieve the necessary improvements,” said Rebecca Pow, Environment Minister.

“We are continuing to drive up the quality of lakes, rivers and seas for the public to enjoy through the measures in our Environment Act, and I would encourage more applications for popular bathing areas, both inland and coastal, that may also be suitable for designation.”