Health Concerns Alter Traditions at the University Boat Race
The storied tradition of victorious rowers celebrating in the River Thames is facing a significant change this year. Participants in Britain’s University Boat Race, a historic competition between Oxford and Cambridge, have been cautioned against the customary plunge into the river due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. This warning comes as sewage spills in the UK reach unprecedented levels.
Concerns have escalated following the release of data indicating that raw sewage was discharged into waterways for over 3.6 million hours in 2023, a figure that starkly doubles that of the previous year. The River Thames, which serves as the backdrop for the annual rowing event, has been particularly affected by the regular dumping of untreated sewage, prompting health and environmental alarms.
In response to these concerns, race organisers have implemented a series of precautionary measures to safeguard the health of the athletes. These measures include advice on covering up open wounds, maintaining rigorous hand hygiene, and setting up a cleansing station at the finish line. Additionally, participants are being informed about the potential health risks associated with contact with the river water.
River Action, an advocacy group, has reported E. coli levels in the Thames that are up to tenfold higher than what is deemed “poor” by the Environment Agency’s standards for bathing water. This revelation has intensified scrutiny over water companies and their practices, especially in light of an upcoming election where infrastructure privatisation and regulatory effectiveness are hot-button issues.
The government has vowed to address the sewage crisis, which is supposed to be a rare occurrence, limited to exceptional rainfall events to prevent backflow into residences. However, campaigners argue that discharges are happening far more frequently than permissible, even during dry periods.
As part of a broader initiative to mitigate this issue, British water companies have committed to investing 10 billion pounds over the next decade to curtail sewage outflows. The investment plan awaits approval from Ofwat, the water services regulation authority, which is expected to make a decision within the year.