Swimming in the River Wandle is not recommended. Although the river is much cleaner today compared with its industrial heyday, there are still reports of sewage being dumped into the water.
This post looks at the safety of swimming in the River Wandle.
Can you Swim in the River Wandle?
Most parts of the river Wandle are only deep enough to either wade or paddle, however this is not recommended since the water may not be clean.
In August 2022, the river Wandle turned brown after a sewage outfall in the Poulter Park area, which originated from the Beddington sewage works. Since the river Wandle is a chalk stream, its water should be crystal clear, and not murky brown.
Sewage can contaminate river water with bacteria and viruses that make people sick. Entering the water, even to paddle could result in skin infections or other illnesses. One poll showed that 55% of people who had been wild swimming in the UK this year, ended up falling ill afterwards.
Can You Swim at Morden Hall Park?
The section of the River Wandle that flows through Morden Hall Park is not deep enough to swim. There are however, areas of the park where you could paddle in the river.
Although paddling in Morden Hall Park is popular in hot weather, it is not recommended since the water may not be safe. The park is owned and managed by the National Trust, who caution against entering the water.
More Information About the River Wandle
- 10 Interesting Facts About the River Wandle
- Are there Pike in the Wandle?
- What Wildlife are Around the River Wandle?
- What Plants are Around the River Wandle
- The History of the River Wandle
- Why is the River Wandle Called Wandle?
- A Guide to Walking Along the River Wandle
- River Graveney – A Tributary of the River Wandle
This Post was About Swimming in the River Wandle
If you have any experience of swimming or paddling in the river Wandle, please leave me a comment below.