Water quality at river bathing sites across England, including several in the North West have been classified as ‘poor’, with 16 rivers tested for harmful bacteria, according to new figures.
In aim of cleaning up England’s rivers there has been a growing demand for river sites to be designated as bathing areas. However, the data reveals inland rivers suffer from sewage and agricultural pollution compared to costal locations. In 2023, sewage discharges reached record highs, contributing to the worsening water quality.
Across England 450 locations have bathing water were tested between May and September, discovering 37 of these locations or 8.2% failed to meet the minimum standards for safe bathing.
They were assessed for harmful bacteria, including E-coli and intestinal enterococci, which can pose serious health risks.
The water minister, Emma Hardy said, “These figures are unacceptable and show 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”.
While there were no ‘poor’ classifications of water quality across Merseyside, just two locations in the county were deemed as ‘Excellent’:
- West Kirby- ‘Sufficient’
- Meols: ‘Good’
- Moreton: ‘Excellent’
- Wallasey: ‘Good’
- Formby: ‘Excellent’
- Ainsdale: ‘Sufficient’
- Southport: ‘Sufficient’
As pressure grows on water companies, local communities across England are calling for urgent improvements to tackle water pollution.
To look at the Bathing quality in your area, visit:https://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/
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