\n She said the waterway was given designated bathing water status in 2022, but since then it has consistently been rated as \u2018poor\u2019 due to elevated levels of faecal bacteria more commonly known as excrement or poo.\n<\/p>\n
\n Ms Smith explained: \u201cI understand that Thames Water are still reviewing data and investigating possible causes of these totally unacceptable levels of pollution, including assessing the impact of your assets on water quality.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Linda Smith (Image: Andrew Walmsley)\n<\/p>\n
\n However, she added that she was confused as to why no conclusions have yet been drawn considering that research has been happening for four years.\n<\/p>\n
\n As such, the sheriff called on the company to share its plans for improving water quality at Wolvercote, and for how it is going to decrease the bacteria load going into the river from Cassington, Stanton Harcourt and Church Hanborough sewage treatment works, which are upstream from Port Meadow.\n<\/p>\n
\n She said: \u201cThe people of Oxford take great interest in this matter and we should all be able to enjoy the river without fear of becoming ill.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThe ongoing pollution is also a threat to wildlife and the biodiversity of one of our most treasured open spaces.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Drone shot of Cassington Sewage Treatment Works. Picture Witney Against Sewage Pollution (WASP)\n<\/p>\n
\n Responding to this, Thames Water acknowledged that there is some evidence showing the potential for an impact on the bathing\u00a0water\u00a0from\u202fCassington\u202fSewage Treatment Works and UV treatment is being installed to tackle this.\n<\/p>\n
\n However, the company also said that there are multiple other causes for river pollution including industry, animal\u202ffaeces\u202ffrom livestock and wildlife, along with run off from farms and roads.\n<\/p>\n
\n A Thames Water spokesperson said: \u201cWe have been carrying out\u202finvestigations this\u202fbathing season\u202fto better understand our impact on the condition of the\u00a0water\u00a0and inform any actions\u00a0we might need to take to improve our treatment processes.\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThis year,\u202fthere\u00a0have been\u00a0no storm\u202foverflows from\u00a0Thames\u00a0Water\u00a0sites within 5km of Wolvercote Mill Stream\u202fduring the bathing season.\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/p>\n