By KLTV Newsdesk –

New figures released today reveal that 92% of the UK’s swimming spots and bathing waters in England have met the minimum water quality standards, with 85% rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.

The Environment Agency conducted testing at 450 coastal and inland sites regularly used by swimmers throughout the summer, including 27 newly designated sites.

These tests specifically monitor for pollutants such as E. coli and intestinal enterococci, which pose risks to swimmers’ health.

Improvements Since the 1990s

The statistics show significant progress compared to the 1990s when only 28% of bathing waters were rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. However, they also highlight the need for further improvements to ensure the quality of these waters for both people and the environment.

The proportion of sites rated ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ has seen a slight decline, partly due to the existing water quality of the newly designated sites.

Of the 27 new bathing water sites, 18 are classified as ‘poor’. This was anticipated, as these sites had not been managed for bathing previously and it takes time to identify and address the sources of pollution affecting them.

Excluding the newly designated sites, 95% of bathing waters would meet minimum standards this year, only slightly down from 96% last year.

Regional Insights

Mike Dugher, Deputy Director for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, commented: “Across Yorkshire, 60% of our bathing waters are rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, but any drops in quality are disappointing and must be addressed.

“There is still much more to be done to ensure cleaner and healthier waters for people to enjoy, and action plans are in place for poor and sufficient classifications.

“We are committed to working with our key partners and water companies to improve water quality and investigate the problems faced at some of our important tourist destinations.”

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Coastal vs Inland Bathing Waters

The figures also reveal a notable difference in quality between coastal and inland bathing waters.

This year, 95% of coastal waters met the minimum standards, compared to only 53% of inland sites.

Rivers often have poorer bathing water quality compared to the sea, which benefits from the natural disinfection properties of saltwater and greater dispersal of pollutants.

These results come after the Government launched a consultation on 12 November, proposing reforms to bathing water regulations to ensure a more flexible approach to designation and monitoring.

This includes assessing water quality and the feasibility of improvement at a site before its designation.

Government Initiatives and Proposed Reforms

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

“That’s why we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water Bill, which will strengthen regulation, including new powers to ban the payment of bonuses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against persistent lawbreakers.

“This is just the start – we’ve launched the largest review of the water sector since privatisation to attract the investment we need and reform the water system to help clean up our rivers, lakes, and seas for good.”

Following today’s results, the Environment Agency is working with local partners to take targeted action to improve water quality at all bathing waters classified as ‘poor’.