Bathing water quality shored up

(by Karma Loveday)

93% of England’s bathing waters met the Environment Agency’s standards in the 2025 season.

Of the 449 designated sites, 297 (66%) were ‘excellent’, up from 289 last year. Meanwhile 32 sites (7%) were classified as ‘poor’, down from 37 last year.

The results continued a multi-year trend of improvement, although inland bathing sites continued to struggle.

The Government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms came into force on 21 November. These reforms change the traditional ‘one size fits all’ approach and more closely reflect how people use our beaches, lakes and rivers.