Proposed Changes to Bathing Water Quality Monitoring in England and Wales

Revisions are under consideration regarding the methods for monitoring and assessing bathing water quality across England and Wales. A government consultation has commenced, forming part of a wider initiative to reform the existing framework for overseeing designated outdoor swimming locations. The public is invited to provide feedback on proposed modifications, which might broaden the classification of ‘bathers’ to encompass paddle boarders and surfers, and introduce water quality testing at various points within a single site. At present, the 550 designated bathing locations undergo monitoring between May and September, with their classification updated annually according to water quality. Water Minister Emma Hardy stated: “Bathing water sites are the pride of local communities across the country.” She added: “But the current system is not working for all those who use and enjoy our bathing waters, and reform is long overdue.” The current framework has drawn criticism for failing to consider year-round usage, which could leave individuals exposed to contamination beyond the summer period. Among the proposed alterations are the elimination of fixed monitoring schedules, an expanded definition of bathers, and an emphasis on a site’s ability to achieve water quality standards prior to its designation. Furthermore, the proposals recommend discontinuing the automatic removal of designation for sites classified as poor for five consecutive years, favouring individual assessments instead. Hannah Pearson, founding director of the Devon-based campaign group Friends of the Dart, expressed support for “any review that prioritises the safety of all river users as well as the ecology of the river itself”. She noted: “Rivers have different needs to those of coastal waters which the current process is designed for.” Pearson added: “As such, we would urge the review to be radical and all encompassing by taking into account and meeting the unique individual needs of rivers at the same time as those of other water bodies.” Mark Lloyd, chief executive of The Rivers Trust, conveyed that he was “particularly pleased” by the proposed cessation of automatic de-designation for water bodies that have not met standards for five years. He commented: “The focus must be on driving improvements in our natural environment and not giving up when it gets hard.” Giles Bristow of Cornwall-based Surfers Against Sewage stated that the process for designating bathing waters required “radical reform”. He remarked: “We welcome this vital consultation but a glaring omission is the monitoring of emerging pollutants, like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), that are harmful to human health.” Bristow further emphasized: “The reform of the regulations must set the course for all waterways that are used recreationally to be designated – designation means monitoring and transparency is a must if we are to navigate our way out of the dirty waters of the sewage scandal.” Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.