Toxic Algae Found At Thames Bathing Site

Swimmers are being warned not to enter the water at the first official bathing site on the River Thames in south-west London due to toxic blue-green algae. The discovery of the algae has raised concerns about Thames Water's plans to pump 75m litres of treated sewage a day into the river near the bathing spot.

The blue-green algal blooms are likely caused by extreme heat, low river flow, and nutrient pollution from sewage waste. Thames Water's Hogsmill sewage treatment plant is situated three miles upstream of the Ham bathing site, and the company has been in breach of its permit conditions at the plant, resulting in the discharge of raw sewage in breach of the law.

Thames Water's water recycling scheme, which involves abstracting 75m litres of water a day from the Thames at Teddington and replacing it with treated sewage from the nearby Mogden sewage treatment works, has been designated a strategic infrastructure project. The £250m scheme is in the pre-application stage for a development consent order, despite opposition from local authorities and river users.

## What it means The discovery of toxic algae at the bathing site highlights the risks associated with Thames Water's plans to pump treated sewage into the river. The company's debt of £20bn and history of breaching permit conditions have raised concerns about its ability to manage the scheme effectively. The algae discovery also underscores the impact of climate change on the river's ecosystem, with low river flow and high temperatures creating an environment conducive to the growth of toxic algae.

The bathing site's designation as a official bathing area was the result of a successful application by the swimming group Teddington Bluetits. The group's members are now warning others to avoid the water due to the presence of toxic algae. With the water recycling scheme still in the planning stages, the discovery of toxic algae at the bathing site has added a new layer of complexity to the debate over the project's merits.