Catastrophic E. coli Pollution - and Why It Matters

New Forest Friends of the Earth’s latest water testing has revealed catastrophic E. coli levels of 78,312 CFU. This is an increase on our July survey. Tests were done in similar weather, at the same tide state, so the rise is real and deeply concerning.

Recently, Southern Water daubed blue paint on pipes and manholes and eventually replaced a broken flap (see previous blog post). That may help stop raw sewage flooding into nearby gardens, but it has done nothing to stop sewage pollution in the watercourse itself.

Obtaining a Sewer Map was a Challenge.

Possible causes include a cracked foul sewer line or a misconnection sending foul waste into the surface water system. Both require urgent investigation. Experts are already pointing to CCTV surveys as the obvious next step.

Why this matters for health

E. coli at this level is dangerous. It can cause severe stomach illness, kidney damage, and sometimes life-threatening infections. One local resident shared how, after catching E. coli abroad, she was ill for four months; a reminder of what’s at stake.

We are also concerned that young people have been meeting at the completely hidden CSO site. They may not realise the health risks of exposure to sewage-contaminated water.

Why this matters for nature

The area of reed beds affected by sewage pollution has already grown. Scientific evidence shows that untreated sewage can overwhelm reed beds — causing nutrient overload, algal blooms, oxygen loss, and even sewage fungus growth that smothers habitats. Left unchecked, this pollution can destroy the very ecosystems that normally help protect and filter our waterways.

What happens next

Thanks to support from a local councillor, we now have funding to continue monthly testing for the next year. This means the problem cannot be hidden or ignored. Southern Water must urgently tackle the root cause of this pollution, and the Environment Agency must ensure they do.

Testing for E coli with an R card

We will keep testing, keep reporting, and keep pressing for action.