Story perspectives
Swimmers Complete 200km Relay, Demand Action on Sewage Crisis
9/6/2025
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Story summary
- Eight swimmers completed a 200km relay on the River Thames to raise awareness of water pollution.
- The swim, starting in Lechlade and ending at Westminster, had to skip sections due to dangerous E. coli levels.
- Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) reported high E. coli counts at Henley and near sewage treatment facilities.
- Swimmers urged the government to address the sewage crisis and enhance water quality.
- In 2024, over 464,000 sewage discharges polluted UK waterways, leading to calls for stricter regulations.
- The government plans £104 billion in private investment to upgrade sewage infrastructure by 2030.
