The latest data from the Environment Agency has revealed that the number of monitored bathing water sites in England rated as ‘poor’ and unsuitable for swimming has more than doubled, from 18 to 37. Of the 450 sites regularly tested throughout the summer for bacteria related to sewage discharges, 92% met the minimum bathing standards. However, that figure is a slight fall from the previous year, which recorded a 96% success rate. The Environment Agency blames the latest results on the monitoring of 27 new sites, 18 of which were given a poor rating.
In commenting on the data, Water Minister Emma Hardy accused England’s water companies of being responsible for the poor results. This is seen as particularly embarrassing, given that 95% of coastal waters (as opposed to 53% of rivers and lakes) met minimum standards, highlighting concerns over inland water quality. The Environment Agency’s chair, Alan Lovell, says that the data indicates that there is still a great deal of work to be done to bring inland swimming sites up to standard.
The issue of water quality has been the source of increased criticism in recent times, particularly with mounting data that more widely disseminates the information. James Wallace, CEO of River Action, considers the latest results to be an “international embarrassment”. Wallace further explains that the government’s data reveals that swimming in inland bathing sites presents serious health risks, and accuses regulators of failing to provide adequate protection to waterways from polluters.
A representative from Water UK, which speaks for the water industry, states that the quality of bathing water in England has improved since the 1990s, but the water companies remain committed to reducing sewage discharges. The government is awaiting approval from regulator Ofwat, for billions of pounds of investment in infrastructure that will be paid for by higher bills for water customers.
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