The bacteria is potentially dangerous for humans and dogs
13:13, 28 Apr 2026Updated 15:45, 28 Apr 2026
Views of Crox Bottom and Pigeonhouse Stream, Bristol, Tuesday 28 April 2026, where reports the nearby lake and stream have E-Coli. (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
Dog walkers and residents are being warned that tests on a river in South Bristol have discovered the potentially-deadly E.coli bacteria.
People are being advised against bathing or otherwise going into the Pigeonhouse Stream, after the Environment Agency ran tests on the water following an earlier pollution concern.
Concerns were first raised in February after heavy rain left local residents concerned that there was sewage in the stream.
South Bristol MP Karin Smyth raised the matter with the Environment Agency and Wessex Water, who reported that throughout February they conducted a ‘comprehensive ecological assessment’, and concluded that there were no leaks in the sewage network, and in heavy rain, the ‘faint wastewater-type odour’ people were reporting was just natural organic material that had come from the natural sources of the stream.
The Pigeonhouse Stream is one of the rivers that rises off the Dundry Slopes, through Hartcliffe and flows down a steep-sided valley called Crox Bottom next to what is now Imperial Retail Park, under Hartcliffe Way and joins the Malago River in Bedminster.
The Environment Agency told Ms Smyth in a letter last week that: “There is no evidence of contaminated land contributing to the discharge quality.”
“Our officers have undertaken a number of site visits since, and taken samples of the pathway and discharge. These checks have identified no evidence to suggest that the watercourse has been adversely affected, but we intend to continue our inspections for now,” they added.
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But this week, local councillor Susan Kollar (Lab, Bishopsworth) reported that further tests had revealed E.coli, a bacteria that is harmful to humans.
While it is unlikely that anyone would bathe in the Pigeonhouse Stream, Crox Bottom does contain the lake behind what is now Imperial Apartments, which was where generations of young people from Hartcliffe, Headley Park and Knowle West learned to swim. This week, the footpath along the river near the lake was closed for repair work.
Views of Crox Bottom and Pigeonhouse Stream, Bristol, Tuesday 28 April 2026, where reports the nearby lake and stream have E-Coli. (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
In what she described as an ‘urgent update’, Cllr Kollar said: “The Environment Agency is responsible for regulating watercourse pollution of the stream.
“However, it has now since reported that it has preliminary results showing E.coli results, feedback that suggest site levels may be above those at which bathing would be advised against.
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“As the land in question is owned by the city council’s Parks Department, we have provided advice and wording for diversion signs to help the public understand they should avoid contact. Tests and works will continue until this is resolved but please avoid the area in the meantime,” she added.
Views of Crox Bottom and Pigeonhouse Stream, Bristol, Tuesday 28 April 2026, where reports the nearby lake and stream have E-Coli. (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
As well as humans, E.coli can also adversely affect dogs – who are much more likely to go into the Pigeonhouse Stream on a dog walk through Crox Bottom – with dogs at risk of serious illness from the bacteria.