River Great Ouse: Bacteria
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking with the Environment Agency to monitor levels of a) E. coli and b) other harmful bacteria in the River Great Ouse.
Answered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Environment Agency (EA) monitors the River Great Ouse for a range of ecological and chemical parameters, including biological and physico-chemical elements, specific pollutants and priority substances.
There are currently no designated bathing waters on the River Great Ouse. It is therefore not routinely monitored for E. coli or intestinal enterococci as part of the statutory bathing water monitoring programme. At designated bathing waters, the EA monitors these bacteria as indicators of faecal contamination and potential risks to human health. Anyone can apply to designate a bathing water and the current application window is open until 15 October 2026.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →