A CAMPAIGN group is looking to find out where people swim in rivers in Oxford in order to protect them from water pollution.

The results of the survey, which is led by End Sewage Pollution Thames, will be used to decide where in Oxford could become a ‘designated bathing water area’.

ALSO READ: Thousands back campaign to stop polluting Thames

If the River Thames in Oxford achieves this designation, it will be only the second river in the country to do so.

Last summer saw record numbers taking the waters at popular locations such as Port Meadow and Longbridges nature park.

However, concerns were raised when data from the Guardian revealed raw, untreated sewage spilled into the rivers around Oxford for more than 2,000 hours in 2019.

The campaign group now wants to know where people most commonly swim, what rivers they want to protect and what they want to see change.

Claire Robertson, from the group said: “We’ve had an amazing response, with over 700 people taking the survey so far. But we know thousands of people swim in the river, and we want to reach as many people as possible. It will only take you 10 minutes, but it will help us protect the river for generations to come.”

ALSO READ: Sewage fungus sighted in West Oxfordshire after heavy rain

“Swimming in rivers can have so many health and wellbeing benefits, which are more important than ever in lockdown. They should be safe and healthy for people and wildlife. We can achieve this - and the more information we have to help us, the better.”

Thames Water has increased its water quality testing regime to test for bacteria harmful to health at four popular swimming spots around the city.

Oxford City Council unanimously supported an application for a designated bathing water area and more than 5,000 people have signed a petition to end raw sewage discharges in the area. The survey closes on March 15 and can be completed online here.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.