England is grappling with a worsening water quality problem, with 37 of 450 official wild swimming spots failing to meet standards in 2024. The disparity between coastal and inland water quality is stark, raising concerns among environmentalists and prompting calls for system reform.
England faces a significant water quality issue with nearly one in 12 of its designated wild swimming spots failing to meet standards, according to figures released by the Environment Agency. Out of 450 official bathing sites, 37 were rated as poor in 2024. This number includes newly designated sites, many located in polluted rivers, where two-thirds were marked as 'failing'. Despite 91.8% meeting minimum clean water standards and 64.
2% reaching 'excellent', there is a significant disparity between coastal and inland water quality. While 95% of coastal waters met minimum standards, only 53% of inland waters did so. Water Minister Emma Hardy and Environment Agency chairman Alan Lovell both expressed dissatisfaction with the figures, calling for further action to address pollution. Campaigners advocate for major reforms in the system, claiming the current classification regime is misleading
England Wild Swimming Water Quality Environment Agency Pollution Reform
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