E.coli, diarrhoea and dead fish: Europe’s rivers have a sewage problem

It’s not just the Seine and the Thames. Across the continent, untreated waste that flows directly into rivers and lakes is making people sick and harming wildlife.

A particpant in the 'Big Jump' event in the Leie river at Portus Ganda, in Gent. The event takes place in rivers all over Europe to draw attention to water quality. Picture: Getty Images

An Nÿs and her children love swimming in their local canal on the outskirts of Ghent, Belgium, so much that they’re willing to put up with an unfortunate downside: the possibility of a stomach ache if they accidentally swallow some water.

“They know they have to really keep their mouths shut,” Nÿs says. “It would of course be nice if you can come here with your kids and enjoy a swim without your kids having diarrhoea.”