New sites drag bathing water ratings down

The inclusion of newly designated bathing waters predictably led to a fall in bathing water quality compliance in England in the 2024 season. The Environment Agency reported 92% of the 450 designated sites met minimum standards (85% good or excellent), down from 96% last year (90% good or excellent). The figure would have been 95% without data from 27 new sites. Moreover, 95% of coastal waters met the minimum, compared to 53% of inland sites where most of the new designations are.

The EA said it is working with local partners to take targeted action to improve water quality at all bathing water classified as ‘poor’.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “These figures are unacceptable and show that too many of our popular swimming spots are polluted.”

Water UK agreed the drop in standards was cause for concern. A spokesperson said: “This year saw a record number of new bathing water designations and, while water companies are supporting communities to improve new bathing areas, it will take time and investment for real change to be seen. Water companies have a plan and have proposed to invest a record £10bn over the next five years to end sewage entering our rivers and seas, with a 50% reduction in spills into bathing waters. We now need the regulator Ofwat to fully approve water companies’ plans so that we can get on with it.”