Rowing: pollution of the Thames threatens the famous Boat Race

It is a tradition of more than two centuries which is threatened by pollution. The Boat Race, a rowing race between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge since 1829, is being undermined this year. In question, analyzes having demonstrated a strong presence of a bacteria called Escherichia coli (E.Coli) in the waters of the Thames. The findings indicate pollution levels 10 times higher than levels classified as “bad”.

Organizers of the prestigious Boat Race have urged rowers from both teams to cover any open wounds and wash at a dedicated cleaning station after their event on March 30, 2024.

In recent years, private water companies in England have been heavily criticized for dumping untreated sewage and rainwater into the river. The Oxford coach since 1997, Sean Bowden, speaks for his part of a worrying subject and “a national shame”. The traditional victorious coxswain's throw in British waters is not expected to take place this year.

The subject of pollution of the Thames is not new but gets worse year after year. To combat this phenomenon, the London public authorities have launched a super sewer project. A massive 25 kilometer tunnel is being built at a cost of £5 billion, and is due to be operational by 2025.