A volunteer-led trust, set up to protect and enhance the River Great Ouse, has told the council that the ‘jewel in Bedford’s crown’ carries “dangerous” levels of E.coli, nitrates and phosphates.
Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust (BedsGovet) was set up in May 2022 by trustees who were concerned about the potential adverse effects of pollution on land, water quality, and biodiversity due to the county’s rapid commercial and residential expansion.
Chair of trustees is Dr John Strutt, a former professor at Cranfield University. He and other ‘citizen scientists’ have begun collecting high-quality verified data on the condition of the river to submit to the Environment Agency (EA).
“Our data has been taken from eight sites between the river’s point of entry to Bedford Borough at Turvey to the exit at Great Barford,” said John.
“Phase 1 testing has been funded by grants from Woodleigh Impact and Earthwatch using an industry standard laboratory for analysis.
“Sadly, results show that pollution levels are of great concern and in line with those reported nationally.”
River testing
BedsGovet presented their findings to members of the borough council’s Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 18 January, showing that the Great Ouse contains forever chemicals “at levels that are up 10 times the acceptable safe limit”.
“We have established a baseline to gather the data we need to understand how to clean and restore the ecology of our beautiful river, which should energise all who care about our local river,” said John.
“The river Great Ouse is the lifeblood of our valley landscape, essential for drinking water, habitats, recreation, and commerce. The well-being of our community, physically, socially, and economically, is intrinsically linked to the river’s vitality.”
The first six months of ‘river water quality’ data from Citizen Science testing is now available and makes for pretty grim reading.
“It is unique data. For example, did you know that the Environment Agency currently has no obligation to test for hazardous bacteria such as E-coli? No, nor did we until we talked to them,” said John.
River Great Poos?
Asking a question at the council committee meeting, BedsGovet trustee, Alan Horn described the situation as an “alarming” problem for the river.
“The River Great Ouse is England’s fifth largest river, and it is also the fifth most contaminated river in England for forever chemicals at levels that are 10 times above safety levels,” he said.
“Coliform [bacteria], particularly E. coli, are at a level that is hazardous to human health. E. coli has been as high eleven times safety levels in Bedford in the last six months.
“The recorded levels of phosphates and nitrates are all way above safety levels and are a danger to the health of the river and the environment.
“What commitment can Bedford Borough Council make to not only implement immediate and long-term strategies for pollution mitigation and prevention?” he asked.
Paul Pace, chief officer for environment, said this is a “very serious matter”.
“We definitely do share, as a council, your concerns in relation to the condition of the river,” he said.
“As a council we do have certain powers and that we can deal with things such as noise and other matters that affect the environment. In relation to water we don’t have the powers that the likes of the Environment Agency hold as the main people responsible for regulating water quality nor that of Ofwat, who plays a critical role in working with the likes of the water companies.
“We obviously want to work with you as a council, we want to try and improve the water quality as well. My suggestion to the committee would be to try and support the work of the group where we possibly can, obviously bearing in mind that we do have many other requests, priorities and challenges on resources over the next few years.”
Councillor Lucy Bywater (Green, Castle & Newnham), who is not a committee member, said: “It’s a real tragedy that it’s up to volunteers to do this work for us, to be monitoring the shocking levels of E. coli in our river. Especially when we’re supposed to have pride in our river.
“E. coli [can be] fatal as most people know, and if your immune system is at all weakened you could be very susceptible. I think we do have as a council a public health responsibility as well as an environmental responsibility and these two things come together.”
Mr Horn said BedsGovet is the only organisation that tests for E. coli in the Great Ouse in Bedfordshire.
“Our testing analysis methods and results are recognised and endorsed by the Environment Agency,” he said.
Be part of the solution
BedsGovet are encouraging residents, businesses, schools and other organisations to join them in being part of the solution and the group wants to work with all who have responsibility for the river or who share their aims.
“By working with those who have specialist knowledge and power we aim to improve water quality, support projects that enhance biodiversity and mitigate the effects of pollution and climate change pollution,” said John.
“Most importantly, we want the people of Bedfordshire to get involved and have a collective voice.”
If you would like to get involved as a BedsGovet Associate Member, apply for training as a citizen scientist, or just find out more information you can email: strategy@bedsgovet.org.
BedsGovet secretary, Tricia Lennie told the Bedford Independent, “If the river is to be a ‘jewel in the crown’ asset and not a liability for Bedford, we all have serious work to do.”
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
with additional reporting by
Erica Roffe
