High E-Coli levels in several parts of Bristol's Floating Harbour
New data from Bristol City Council shows that levels of E-Coli in Bristol's Floating Harbour have high readings of the disease. The measurements, taken on September 3, show that several areas permitting water sports do not meet the minimum requirement for safe bathing recommended by the Environment Agency.
Open water swimming sessions take place every weekend in Baltic Wharf. Here, the water is of excellent quality according to Environment Agency standards, with only 300 E-coli coliforms per 100ml. But many others take to the spot for sports such as canoeing and rowing, which travel along the Harbourside.
Bristol City Council's information for users of Bristol's floating harbour provides a map to see where different activities can be carried out, with canoeing and rowing being permitted from the SS Great Britain down to Netham Lock. However, this week's readings show high readings of E-Coli in several parts of the route.
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A reading for the Bristol Bridge site shows 3,900 Escherichia coliforms (E-coli) per 100ml, and 1,500 at Prince Street Bridge: the sufficient level for bathing is 900/100ml, making these sites in Bristol's Floating Harbour of poor quality.
In 2020, levels of E-Coli reached over 5,000 per 100ml in parts of Bristol's Floating Harbour. It was then advised by the Harbour Master for the water to be avoided.
Short-term E-Coli levels in water can be caused by storm water runoff, which can carry with it animal faecal matter. Bristol's water has significantly increased in overall quality, but Bristol Harbour still faces challenges due to fluctuations in rainfall.