Campaign group reports high E. coli levels in River Ouse

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 01:03 · Archive

River campaigners say E. coli levels at York's Blue Bridge exceed the standard for safe bathing water.

River campaigners are demanding independent testing and action after reporting consistently high E. coli levels in the Ouse at Blue Bridge in York city centre. The Blue Bridge site is not officially designated for bathing, but data from 21 sampling rounds since May 2026 recorded an average E. coli level of 1,379 cfu/100ml, exceeding the 900 cfu/100ml threshold used for the 'sufficient' inland bathing-water standard.

Ouse It or Lose It, the water quality campaign group, says its testing followed established citizen-science protocols, with methods checked against Environment Agency testing. The group is calling on water companies to take responsibility. Emilie Flower, co-founder of the campaign, said: 'Ouse It or Lose It is about protecting our connection with the river, not accepting pollution as inevitable. A river people can safely enjoy is a river worth fighting for. That requires honest data, accountability and action from those responsible for protecting it.'

Weekly results, funded by Surfers Against Sewage, offer snapshots of water quality but do not represent a definitive assessment of overall safety or pinpoint the source of contamination. The findings come amid ongoing concerns about sewage discharges upstream, though the campaigners state they have not established a direct link. They are holding a public meeting to discuss the issues with the public.

Campaign group reports high E. coli levels in River Ouse — Image: York Press

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How it is being reported

Ouse E. coli levels exceed water standard, river campaigners claimRiver campaigners are demanding independent testing and action following new evidence that suggests the Ouse may contain high levels of a serious bacterium.York Press · 22 Oct, 00:01
Ouse E. coli levels exceed water standard, river campaigners claimRiver campaigners are demanding independent testing and action following new evidence that suggests the Ouse may contain high levels of a serious bacterium.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 22 Oct, 00:01

In this story: River Ouse · Blue Bridge · York · Ouse It or Lose It · Environment Agency · Surfers Against Sewage · Emilie Flower

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