In response to sewage contamination and public demand for cleaner waters, the UK government is considering designating 27 new bathing sites across England to enhance water safety and quality.
The UK government is considering the addition of 27 new bathing sites across England, a decision that could mark the highest single-year increase in designated swimming areas in rivers, lakes, and coastal regions. This move comes amid heightened concerns over water safety due to sewage contamination, with campaigners calling for bathing water status to ensure consistent water quality testing during the summer months. A significant majority of the proposed sites, 22 out of 27, fall within Conservative constituencies, amidst criticisms of the government’s response to sewage pollution affecting its poll standings.
Currently, only three rivers in England have sections designated for swimming, all of which were rated as having poor water quality last year. The emphasis has been on the need for the government to hold water companies to account for pollution and invest in infrastructure to uphold water quality. Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron has criticised the government for not prohibiting water firms from discharging sewage into bathing areas, highlighting the health risks to swimmers.
On the issue of seaside and coastal pollution, recent heavy rains have led to sewage overflow concerns, particularly in South West England, prompting 26 warnings in Devon alone. The environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage has monitored these incidents, which involve a mix of floodwater and sewage polluting the coastline. Water UK announced a £10 billion investment plan over the next seven years to tackle storm overflows, acknowledging the outdated infrastructure that fails to meet modern requirements.
The proposal for new bathing sites aims to provide safe and monitored water bodies for “wild swimming” by engaging the Environment Agency in regular water quality assessments. Despite 96% of English bathing waters meeting minimum standards last year, persistent pollution from sewage and agricultural runoff has spurred this initiative. The selected locations for potential designation, including parts of the River Severn, River Thames, and coastal spots in Dorset, Devon, and Tyne and Wear, are part of a public consultation process due until March 10. The government’s initiative reflects an effort to boost recreational outdoor activities while addressing environmental and water quality concerns.
