As excitement builds for the annual Dart 10K swim at Steamer Quay in Totnes, Devon, recent reports of dangerously high pollution levels have raised serious concerns. Tests conducted by the Environment Agency (EA) revealed that the water at Steamer Quay contains alarmingly high levels of E. coli, a bacteria that poses significant health risks. With over 1,600 swimmers expected to participate in the event on September 7th and 8th, questions about safety are now at the forefront.
What Is E. Coli and Why Is It Dangerous?
Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, certain types can cause severe foodborne illness. These harmful strains can lead to a range of symptoms, from stomach cramps and diarrhoea to more severe conditions such as urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, and even kidney failure.
E. coli typically enters waterways through contamination by fecal matter from humans or animals. At Steamer Quay, the EA has identified sources such as sewage from storm water overflows, agricultural runoff, and waste from livestock and wildlife as likely contributors to the high levels of E. coli detected in the water. The presence of this bacteria at concentrations more than 20 times the acceptable limit, as found in a test on July 6th, significantly increases the risk of illness for anyone coming into contact with the water.
Implications for the Dart 10K Swim
Steamer Quay, one of 27 new designated bathing sites in England, has been under close scrutiny by the EA, which conducts weekly water quality tests from May through September. Unfortunately, the results so far have been concerning, with nine out of ten tests this year showing poor water quality due to high levels of faecal bacteria, including E. coli.
Despite these worrying statistics, the Dart 10K swim organisers, Level Water, remain cautiously optimistic, pointing out that the event has never had an outbreak of illness since it began in 2010. However, they are taking the issue seriously and have recommended that swimmers take precautions, such as covering any cuts before entering the water and washing thoroughly after the event to minimise the risk of infection.
Local residents and regular users of the River Dart, like Hannah Pearson, director of Friends of the Dart, have expressed deep concern. "I swim every day, and this isn't a location I would choose to swim," Pearson said, noting that there have been frequent reports of illness from those who swim in the river. The community's concern is not unfounded, as exposure to contaminated water can lead to a range of illnesses, particularly gastrointestinal issues caused by E. coli.
Addressing the Pollution Problem
The poor water quality at Steamer Quay is the result of multiple factors, including storm water overflows that discharge untreated sewage into the river during heavy rain, as well as runoff from agriculture and urban areas. South West Water (SWW), the company responsible for managing water services in the region, has acknowledged the severity of the issue and is planning improvements at all storm overflows that could affect the water quality at Steamer Quay.
SWW has committed to a significant investment of £850 million over the next two years to address storm overflows and enhance river water quality. Additionally, the company has made efforts to increase transparency by providing live maps that show which beaches and overflows may be impacted by storm water, helping the public make informed decisions about where and when to swim.
As the Dart 10K approaches, the key question is whether these planned improvements will be implemented quickly enough to protect the swimmers. Local canoeist Kerri Adams echoed the community's concerns, stating, "Water pollution is a massive issue, and we want to see some action."
Navigating Health Risks Amid Pollution Concerns
Bruce Newport, the area environment manager for the EA, reassured that while the overall condition of the river is "relatively good," caution is still advised. He recommended that swimmers avoid areas influenced by rivers, particularly after heavy rain, which can elevate pollution levels.
The final water quality grading for Steamer Quay and other designated bathing sites will be published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) in November. Until then, participants and organisers of the Dart 10K must carefully weigh the excitement of the event against the potential health risks posed by the current pollution levels.