Two children have been hospitalized after contracting E. coli from the water in Christchurch harbour, Bournemouth. A woman has also fallen seriously ill after contact with the river, which has seen an alarming spike in potentially deadly bacteria.
Members of the Christchurch Harbour & Marine Society (CHAMS), a volunteer group monitoring water quality, fear that others may also have become ill. Testing revealed that E. coli levels in the River Stour peaked in mid-August and remain at unsafe levels. The recommended safe limit for E. coli in waters used for swimming is no more than 1,000 Colony Forming Units per milliliter, according to the Environment Agency. However, readings taken on August 19 reached 370,000 Colony Forming Units.
Martin Stewart, chairman of CHAMS, stated that the source of the contamination is currently unknown but described the situation as a "scandal." He noted that details of individuals being hospitalized after entering the water have been reported.
It is understood that the two hospitalized children were in contact with the harbor's water shortly before falling ill. Reports suggest one child had a cut on their foot, which may have served as an entry point for the bacteria. While E. coli infections typically cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, and most cases resolve within days, there is a risk of the bacteria entering the bloodstream and causing sepsis, particularly in vulnerable individuals. A handful of Britons die annually from complications related to E. coli infections.
Stewart also mentioned a woman who recovered after reporting an illness linked to contact with the water. She is a member of a local rowing club. In response to the outbreak, Christchurch Sailing Club has canceled its on-water events.
The Environment Agency has launched an investigation into the pollution incident at Christchurch Harbour. "We are considering multiple sources of pollution including agricultural and private sewage sources across Christchurch Harbour's large catchment," an agency spokesperson said. However, the agency does not routinely monitor non-bathing waters such as the River Stour for E. coli, citing that its presence does not directly impact the river's ecology. The agency is also examining the performance of Wessex Water assets.
Large amounts of rainfall can contribute to an increase in bacteria such as E. coli, due to aspects of UK water laws. The agency acknowledged the value of citizen science in improving water quality monitoring.