Paddling is great for our health, enjoyment and wellbeing.
However, there can be a risk of infection caused by microorganisms in the natural environment.
Bacteria and viruses can be picked up through cuts or through ingestion.
The presence of bacteria indicates that human or animal faeces may be present in the water.
One cause is from sewage being discharged from combined sewer overflows (CSOs).
Human and animal waste is also used as fertiliser and spread on fields.
In heavy rain this can be washed into watercourses.
Download a printable PDF of our water quality tips.
Water companies have released new maps showing near real-time storm discharge activity which can help you make informed choices about when and where to paddle.
You can check for pollution incidents on the Surfers Against Sewage Safer Seas and Rivers app.
Find out what about our Clear Access, Clear Waters campaign and the work we have been doing to end sewage pollution.
Paddle UK has also joined six other national governing bodies calling for clean open water for people to enjoy what they love.
By becoming a Paddle UK member we are far stronger. Our collective voice is much louder.
What are waterborne diseases?
Waterborne diseases are illnesses which can be picked up by humans, in the form of bacteria or viruses.
They're usually picked up while you're on the water – through cuts or through ingestion.
Some paddlers will be more immersed in the water such as freestyle paddlers or those carrying out capsize drills.
Levels of contact with water should be considered and mitigation adapted as necessary.
There are many waterborne diseases, but below are the most common.
The presence of bacteria indicates that human or animal faeces may be present in the water.
How can I avoid harmful bacteria?
Has there been heavy rainfall or extended dry periods in recent days?
Heavy rainfall can carry pollution off the land and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are more likely to have discharged raw sewage.
Dry weather increases the chances of stagnant water which can harbour bacteria and viruses. You can check the latest river levels here.
Are there any obvious signs of pollution? A milky colour could indicate pollution, a strong odour could signal decomposing fish or sewage pollution.
Is there any farmland or farm animals close to the venue?
Run-off following recent ‘muck spreading' or faeces from livestock and flocks of birds (look out for geese) particularly after heavy rain can increase the presence of faeces matter in the water.
Are there CSOs upstream of your paddling location?
CSOs discharge sewage into inland and coastal waters.
The Rivers Trust has information about your nearest CSOs and discharge history and for real-time discharge data.
The Surfers Against Sewage Safer Seas and Rivers App can keep you in the loop about what's happening in the water.
Each water company is legally required to display real-time discharge information, companies are beginning to update their websites.
Is the location a designated bathing water?
These sites are the only locations where the water quality is officially monitored for harmful bacteria.
The information is publicly displayed according to bacteria levels as Excellent/Good/Sufficient/Poor.
England has three designated bathing water sites on rivers, the remainder are on the coast.
Information about bathing water quality in other countries in the UK can be found here: Scotland (SEPA), Wales (NRW), or Northern Ireland (DAERA).
The Clear Access, Clear Waters campaign would like more inland waters to be designated.
Is the location Blue Flag Accredited?
Many beaches and marinas have Blue Flag accreditation, one of the requirements is meeting excellent bathing waters in the previous year.
Blue-green algae thrive in warm and nutrient rich waters and can develop very quickly – sometimes in a matter of hours.
Some can cause eye irritation, dermatitis and joint/muscle pain or, more seriously, gastroenteritis, pneumonia.
How can I avoid blue-green algae?
Look out for the iridescent blue green colour, which can look like paint. If you can't tell, carefully insert a stick into the water and remove, if it comes out covered in what looks like green paint it is likely blue green algae.
Is there any signage warning of blue green algae?
Signs may be erected if the relevant authorities are aware of the presence of blue-green algae. If you suspect blue-green algae is present, but there are no notices, assume your observation is correct and report it to the Environment Agency's 24hr hotline: 0800 80 70 60
Has the water temperature increased?
If you are using the same water regularly this can help identify the most likely time for algal blooms to appear and therefore the best time to paddle, to minimise risk.
Is there an annual cycle to the blooms?
The frequency, duration and magnitude of any algal blooms may tend to follow an annual cycle, which can be avoided.
Has any previous water quality testing taken place?
Visual checks are usually adequate to undertake before paddling, however there may be a history of testing if/when blooms are present in the water body, which will help inform your planning.
Weil's disease is a form of bacterial infection carried by animals, often rats. It's rare in the UK.
You can catch Weil's disease anywhere where you're likely to come into contact with infected animal urine, but most likely on the water's edge.
The infection enters the body via cuts or abrasions of the skin or the lining of the nose, mouth, throat or eyes.
The symptoms are very similar to flu, and can occur anytime up to three weeks after paddling.
What can I do to avoid Weil's disease?
It is not possible to assess if Weil's disease is present in any waters through observation. It is highly recommended to follow our safety advice regarding good hygiene.
Testing is more likely to be considered when a paddler has a confirmed case and is able to highlight where and when they have been paddling.