Bacteria in Thames ahead of rowing Henley Regatta [Video]

LONDON — Harmful E.coli bacteria has been discovered at “alarmingly high” levels in the U.K.’s River Thames just days before elite rowers are due to compete there for the international Henley Regatta, anti-pollution campaigners have warned.

From Tuesday onwards, around 4,000 rowers from across the globe are set to compete in 400 races to qualify for the iconic regatta, which has taken place along the waterway since 1839.

Water quality testing carried out by River Action campaign group ahead of the race, found E.coli bacteria up to 27 times the acceptable limit for bathing water, prompting health concerns following a rise in E.coli cases in the country.

E.coli is a diverse group of bacteria which, while usually harmless, can produce toxins that can cause severe illness.

River Action tested waterin the Henley Mile — part of the regatta course outside the Oxfordshire town — 27 times between May 23 and June 25 and …