Swimmers warned of toxic algae at newly designated Thames bathing site
Summary
Swimmers have been warned not to swim at the first official bathing site on the River Thames in south-west London because of toxic blue-green algae in the water. The algae appeared due to very hot weather, low water flow, and pollution from sewage. Thames Water plans to pump treated sewage back into the river nearby, which has raised concerns about the river’s health.Key Facts
- Blue-green algae, which are toxic, have been found in the Thames at the new official bathing site in Ham, south-west London.
- This type of algae is rare in flowing rivers and is linked to hot weather, low river flow, and pollution from sewage.
- Thames Water’s sewage treatment plant at Hogsmill is three miles upstream of the bathing site.
- Thames Water wants to pump 75 million litres of treated sewage daily into the river near the bathing area as part of a water recycling project.
- The project is controversial and opposed by local politicians and groups but is classified as a strategic infrastructure project allowing it to proceed despite opposition.
- The Environment Agency has warned swimmers not to enter the water at this site due to health risks.
- Thames Water has breached legal limits by releasing raw sewage and delayed important upgrades to sewage plants until 2028.
- Swimmers and environmental campaigners say the river is under stress from drought, high temperatures, and pollution.
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