The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has announced that the Government is to consult on the creation of 27 new designated swimming spots across England, with members of the public invited to have their say before the consultation closes on 10 March.
Subject to the two-week consultation, the plans, which represent the largest ever number of new bathing water sites, are part of the government’s plan to improve water quality across the country.
If designated, sites will receive regular water monitoring from the Environment Agency, who will investigate pollution sources and identify steps to be taken in response, which could include actions by water companies, farmers and others.
Last year, 96% of bathing waters in England met minimum standards and 90% of bathing waters in England were rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, up from 76% in 2010, despite the classification standards becoming stricter in 2015. The government also updated its guidance last year to make the application process clearer and easier to follow.
All residents, bathers, businesses, and organisations are invited to have their say before the consultation closes on 10 March.
Currently, when selecting new sites, Defra considers how many people bathe there and if the site has suitable infrastructure and facilities, such as toilets. All applications are assessed against these factors and only those that meet these factors are taken forward to public consultation.
The sites being considered for designation are:
Water Minister Robbie Moore said:
“Many people enjoy spending time in our rivers, lakes, and coastal beaches, and I am very aware of the value they bring in terms of social, health and wellbeing benefits.
“I want to continue to improve the quality of our bathing waters, which is why we are taking action across the board to drive up standards and hold water companies to account.
“I encourage all local communities and organisations with an interest to take part in this consultation and have their say.”
Click here to access the consultation online
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