# Public health risks from natural water pollution > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/public-health-risks-from-natural-water-pollution > Updated: 2026-08-25T05:52:30.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Reports of illness linked to swimming in natural waters have emerged in both the United Kingdom and Hungary. In the UK, the marine charity Surfers Against Sewage recorded 765 reports of illness, including gastroenteritis and ear infections, across 406 locations. Specific concerns were raised in the Dartington and Totnes areas, where Environment Agency sampling showed high levels of E. coli in river water. In Hungary, a large-scale study of over 2,300 participants found that wild swimmers were more than twice as likely to develop skin rashes and gastrointestinal illnesses compared to those staying on shore. The research highlighted a significant link between stomach bugs and water containing high concentrations of E. coli. These findings suggest that E. coli may be a more effective indicator of health risks from faecal pollution than enterococci, potentially contradicting recent World Health Organization guidelines regarding freshwater monitoring priorities. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Wild swimming linked to increased risk of illness A major study in Hungary links wild swimming to increased risks of skin rashes and stomach bugs, specifically highlighting the dangers of E. coli pollution in freshwater sites. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wild-swimming-linked-to-increased-risk-of-illness ### 2026-08-11: UK water pollution concerns rise as hundreds report illness after swimming Hundreds of people in the UK have reported falling ill after swimming in rivers and coastal waters, with high E. coli levels detected in parts of Devon and record illness reports recorded by campaigners. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-water-pollution-concerns-rise-as-hundreds-report-illness-after-swimming --- Cite as: Public health risks from natural water pollution. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/public-health-risks-from-natural-water-pollution