Bedfordshire River Deemed Unsafe for Swimming Amid Sewage Concerns

As of September 27th, 2025, residents of Bedfordshire are being urged to steer clear of popular swimming spots along the Great Ouse River due to alarming levels of E.coli contamination. According to a recent report from the Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust (BedsGOVET), testing at 16 locations between Turvey and Great Barford found that half of the sites had E.coli levels at or above the safety threshold for safe bathing.

The trust's chairman, Alan Horn, stated that the river is in a "very bad state," with unacceptable levels of nitrates, phosphates, and E.coli. One sample even exceeded the safety limit by over 11 times, recording more than 10,000 coliforms. The trust's findings were presented to Bedford Borough Council's Climate Change Committee, sparking concerns about the river's deteriorating water quality.

BedsGOVET volunteers have been collecting and analyzing river water samples for the past three years, and their data points to Anglian Water as the primary culprit. The trust's Henry Lafferty revealed that the highest E.coli levels were found just downstream from Bedford's main sewage outlet, and Anglian Water has admitted to spilling raw or partially treated sewage on dry days, which is not permitted.

The trust's priority now is to expand its testing efforts and work closely with the Environment Agency and Bedford Borough Council to address the issue and restore the health of the Great Ouse, which is described as the "jewel in Bedford's crown." Anglian Water has acknowledged the problem and stated that it is committed to collaborating with local groups to improve the river's water quality.