Oxford’s only designated river swimming spot has received a ‘poor’ classification from the Environment Agency (EA).
People have been advised not to swim in the bathing water at Wolvercote Mill Stream following the rating, which is based on data from 2022.
This is despite the site, which is in the northeast corner of Port Meadow, becoming only the second inland river in the UK to achieve Designated Bathing Water Status last April.
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The popular swimming spot, which is immediately downstream of Wolvercote Bridge, is just one mile from Oxford city centre and is used by many people during the warmer months.
But the latest report said swimming was not advised due to poor bathing water quality.
The EA said: “There are a number of storm overflows that discharge into the River Thames upstream of Wolvercote Mill Stream. The closest is Cassington Sewage Treatment works, which is around 4km upstream.
“Beyond that there are several other Combined Sewer Overflows on the River Thames, and tributaries such as the River Evenlode and River Windrush. The impact of these on the bathing water is currently unknown, however, when any of these outfalls are operating, they discharge diluted effluent into the river and may result in reduced bathing water quality.”
A previous Thames Water statement said: “We’ll continue to work with our partners to understand what more needs to be done to ensure consistently good water quality in the Thames.”
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