What are the E. coli levels in the River Great Ouse?

E. coli levels in the River Great Ouse have been found to be approximately 20 times above safety levels at locations like Great Barford and Felmersham.

Is it safe to eat fish from the River Great Ouse?

No, an environmental charity has warned it is "idiotic" to eat fish from "very dirty" parts of the River Great Ouse due to horrendous pollution levels.

Who is investigating the pollution sources in the River Great Ouse?

Alan Horn, chairman of the Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust, is working with the Environment Agency and the University of Birmingham to identify the pollution sources.

Home / Environment / Pollution crisis: River Ouse fish declared 'idiotic' to eat

Pollution crisis: River Ouse fish declared 'idiotic' to eat

22 Mar

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Summary

E. coli levels in River Great Ouse are 20 times above safety limits.
Fish from the river are deemed unsafe for consumption due to pollution.
Pollution sources in the River Great Ouse are currently under investigation.

Pollution crisis: River Ouse fish declared 'idiotic' to eat

The Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust has issued a strong warning regarding the safety of consuming fish from the River Great Ouse. Recent sampling at Great Barford and Felmersham detected E. coli levels that are about 20 times higher than established safety thresholds. These "horrendous" pollution levels have led the Trust's chairman, Alan Horn, to state that eating fish from this section of the river would be "idiotic."

Despite being located miles from sewage treatment works, areas in Bedford town centre also showed significant contamination. Investigations are ongoing, with Horn collaborating with the Environment Agency and the University of Birmingham to pinpoint the pollution's origins. The Environment Agency has committed to increasing compliance inspections of wastewater assets in response to the issue. Concerns have also been raised about people bathing in the river, with warning signs in Felmersham reportedly being removed.

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