Water quality and waterborne diseases

The River Stour at Friars Meadow received bathing water status in Spring 2024. Among other things, this means that the Environment Agency will monitor water quality regularly during bathing season.

Despite this water quality may be poor at times, particularly after heavy rain or flooding. The bacteria E. Coli from sewage discharges and phosphates, nitrates and other chemicals from agricultural run-off may be present.

Symptoms of E. Coli infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. These usually develop 3-4 days after infection but can start at any time from infection for around two weeks.

River users are also at a slight risk of contracting Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis) which is carried in the urine of infected rats, dogs and cows. It is a rare condition in the UK, but symptoms include a high temperature, headache, redness in the eyes, joint pains, stomach-ache, nausea and diarrhoea.

If symptoms develop in the two-week period after contact with the water, or if you are otherwise concerned about changes to your health, members should contact their GP (or 111), inform them of the exposure and seek advice on treatment.

Recommended precautions

• Cover cuts, blisters and abrasions with waterproof dressings and consider not rowing if the wound is open and has been bleeding recently.
• Wash hands thoroughly after rowing or handling boats, and before eating or drinking or handling food.
• Shower after immersion in, or prolonged contact with, river water.
• Wear suitable footwear if entering the water to launch or retrieve a boat.
• Used a closed-top bottle to drink from when in a boat.
• Try not to swallow any water that splashes on your face or mouth. Monitor yourself for symptoms if you do so.
• Clean all equipment – boats and blades – after an outing with boat cleaner and a sponge.