We have now received Southern Water’s observations and results from their attendance to the Danes Stream in response to the elevated E. coli concentrations reported at NGR: SZ 27906 92184 to the Environment Agency on 01/04/2026.
On 05/04/2026, Southern Water attended the reported location, and several upstream and downstream points on the Danes Stream. At all points, no signs of pollution were observed and samples taken using ammonia test strips from the watercourse returned results of 0mg/l of ammonia.
Southern Water also inspected their nearby assets and did not identify any issues.
Southern Water’s environmental consultants, Adler and Allan, reattended the site on 08/04/2026 to carry out further testing of the Danes Stream.
They noted some natural discolouration in the watercourse, and slightly elevated ammoniacal nitrogen readings which they attributed to large fallen trees in the watercourse causing reduced flow and a build-up of algae, moss and sediment in the watercourse.
Please see sample results below:
| SZ 28094 92031
Temp – 11.7 DO 75.1% DO – 8.14 mg/l pH – 7.54 NH4 – 1.50mg/l NH3 – 0.01mg/l |
SZ 27996 92061
Temp – 11.7 DO – 81.2% DO 8.79mg/l pH – 7.58 NH4 – 2.40 mg/l NH3 – 0.02 mg/l |
SZ 27837 92338
Temp – 12.4 DO – 101.9% DO – 10.86mg/l pH – 7.77 NH4 – 1.16 mg/l NH3 – 0.02mg/l |
SZ 28055 92030
Temp – 12.6 DO – 90.4% DO – 9.69mg/l pH – 7.47 NH4 – 1.05 NH3 – 0.01 |
Based on the observations and sample results provided by Southern Water, we do not have any evidence that a pollution event occurred, and are not able to confirm the source of E. coli.
Southern Water do not have any permitted discharges in the vicinity of the E. coli report, and we are not aware of any recent pollution incidents, water industry or private, affecting this area of the Danes Stream. There may also be private sewage treatment facilities which discharge into the Danes Stream for those properties that are not served by foul mains.
- coli not only originates from faecal matter associated with humans and sewage discharges, but can also originate from wildlife and pet waste, livestock, agricultural run-off and other pollution from farming or industry. Surface water outfalls can pick up diffuse pollution and bacteria from urban drainage and wildlife as well, which can elevate bacteria levels within a watercourse.
Based on the information received to date, this incident currently poses a low environmental risk. If local residents notice any potentially polluting discharges or incidents impacting the Danes Stream, we would be grateful if they could report these to our incident hotline (0800 80 70 60) or via gov.uk Report water pollution in England – GOV.UK. We encourage reporters to provide any photos of the potential pollution and provide accurate location and source details if they have them.
Please note that New Forest District Council have also been in touch and a copy of this correspondence has been issued to them as well.
If you have any further enquiries, please contact our Customers and Engagement team by emailing [email protected].
