Christchurch Sailing Club cancels junior week after E. coli spike
Christchurch Sailing Club has cancelled its junior activities after high levels of E. coli were detected in the River Stour. The Environment Agency is investigating potential pollution sources, though Wessex Water has denied responsibility for the contamination.
Why it matters
The incident highlights growing public health concerns regarding water quality in non-designated bathing areas and the impact of pollution on community recreational activities.
Image caption, Graham Smith, commodore of Christchurch Sailing Club, said the club had had to cancel its junior activities this week
A club has cancelled its junior water activities this week after high levels of E. coli were recorded at a harbour.
Samples taken by Christchurch Harbour and Marine Society (CHAMS) found what it said were "alarmingly" high levels of e-coli in the River Stour.
As a result, Christchurch Sailing Club has cancelled its junior week, which it said had been a "heart-breaking decision".
The Environment Agency (EA) said it was "out taking samples and checking the performance of Wessex Water assets" and was considering multiple sources of pollution, including agricultural and private sewage sources. Wessex Water said the reported pollution incident did not relate to its assets.
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