Boat Race: Warning about contaminated water – rowers should not jump into the Thames. E.
coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most strains do not cause disease. But there are also strains of bacteria of which a small amount - such as a sip of contaminated water - is enough to cause illness. Typical clinical pictures include urinary tract infections, bladder infections, intestinal infections and vomiting. In the worst cases, life-threatening blood poisoning can occur. The source of the pollution is the utility company Thames Water.