PLANS to secure official bathing water status for a stretch of river in Salisbury have been brought into focus by recent evidence of faecal contamination.

For the Love of Water (FLOW), a community interest company, is seeking to have part of Queen Elizabeth Gardens designated as an official inland bathing site.

The area, where the Hampshire Avon meets the River Nadder, is popular for paddling and picnicking, particularly among families.

FLOW says its shallow waters make it well suited to bathing without conflicting with fishing or paddle boarding.

The application was submitted to DEFRA last October, with a decision expected in April.

Designation would require the Environment Agency to monitor water quality regularly, publish results and investigate pollution sources, providing clearer information for river users and putting pressure on polluters.

Community support has been strong. FLOW says consultation last year showed “overwhelmingly positive” backing for protecting and improving the river.

FLOW hosted a community consultation last October. (Image: FLOW CIC)

However, interim findings from volunteer-led testing reveal a more concerning picture.

Throughout 2025, volunteers supported by Surfers Against Sewage collected samples from the River Avon at Queen Elizabeth Gardens and the River Nadder near the Old Mill pub.

Tests at a UKAS-accredited laboratory focused on E. coli and intestinal enterococci, standard indicators of faecal contamination.

The results, published last month, show spikes in pollution during and after rainfall, and unexpectedly high readings in dry weather, suggesting multiple or persistent sources.

A volunteer collects a sample. (Image: FLOW CIC)

FLOW says: “The risk to river users increases significantly during and shortly after rainfall, even at locations that are otherwise heavily used and valued.”

They argue that continued monitoring, a full year of data and advanced techniques such as DNA source tracking are needed to identify pollution pathways and drive effective action.

A DEFRA and Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are responsible for monitoring and reporting on bathing water quality at designated sites during the bathing water season.

“However, we continue to work closely with the agriculture sector, water companies and local communities throughout the year to improve water quality.”

Salisbury City Council, which owns the gardens, voted to support the application last July.

A spokesperson said community monitoring provides “valuable additional insight” and reinforces the importance of ongoing monitoring rather than relying on isolated samples.

Wessex Water declined to comment.