LEVELS of bacteria associated with faeces well above the minimum standard have been detected in the River Kent.

Clean the River Kent Campaign (CRKC) took samples of the river between February and September.

Taking an average of all the samples that CRKC took through 2022, all six locations it surveyed would be classified as poor and therefore a swimmer would be at high risk of becoming unwell. 

Campaigners wants to use the data to push for the River Kent to get 'designated bathing water' status. 

The report said: "We believe that this is the first time that information on faecal pathogens has been published for the river Kent. This unique study signals risks to human health and serious concerns for ecology and wildlife in a river which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), an international Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and which flows through a UNESCO world heritage site."

Water is tested for two types of bacteria, E.coli and intestinal Enterococci (Enterococcus spp). According to CRKC 73 river samples at six locations on fourteen dates were taken and the samples were reviewed by the private laboratory ALS Coventry. 

These bacteria come from sewage and animal manure. The six locations were Staveley Recreation Ground, Beckmickle Ing, Burneside Millenium Green, Sandy Bottoms, Hawes Bridge and Sedgwick. 

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The World Health Organisation defines 'poor-below minimum standard' levels of E.coli as more than 900 colony-forming units (cfu) per 100ml. For Enterococcus spp, this is 330cfu per 100ml. 

The worst reading was on September 14 at Hawes Bridge. E.coli and Enterococcus spp levels were both at 4900cfu per 100ml. This is five times, and nearly fifteen times respectively above the minimum acceptable standard. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Clean the River Kent Campaign volunteers taking samples Clean the River Kent Campaign volunteers taking samples (Image: Clean the River Kent Campaign)

 

The worst overall data came from Beckmingle Ing, which is downstream of Staveley Wastewater Treatment Works. The ninetieth percentile was 2,250cfu per 100ml for E.coli and 2,224cfu per 100ml for Enterococcus spp. CRKC argue that the water company United Utilities should be held responsible for the state of the river. 

The Westmorland Gazette: E.coli levels found in the River Kent by CRKCE.coli levels found in the River Kent by CRKC (Image: Clean River Kent Campaign)

A spokesman from United Utilities said: “We welcome the research done by the Clean River Kent Group and we support their bid for a site on the river to be designated as an official bathing water. Our treatment works at Staveley operates according to its environmental permit and it is not required to remove bacteria.”

The Westmorland Gazette: Enterococcus ssp levels published by CRKC Enterococcus ssp levels published by CRKC (Image: Clean River Kent Campaign)

The Environment Agency, which regulates the water companies, said: “We welcome the data gathered by these investigations to help inform plans moving forward and to ensure that our waters are fit for fish, wildlife and for people to enjoy.

“The Environment Agency will continue to work with the water company and others in the community to reduce potential pollution and plans to meet with the Campaign group in the New Year.”