Plan to end fixed ‘season’ for water quality tests to protect winter swimmers – Wales Online
The fixed summer “season” for monitoring water quality at official bathing waters could be removed to accommodate the growing trend for cold water swimming as per Government plans. The proposed changes aim to overhaul the system for monitoring designated outdoor swimming sites, potentially expanding the definition of “bathers” to include paddle boarders and surfers. They also suggest testing water quality at various points within a site.
The consultation on regulations governing the 550+ designated bathing waters in England and Wales signifies the government’s response to public concerns about the pollution of the nation’s water bodies. The reforms, put forward for consultation by the Environment Department (Defra) and the Welsh Government, are expected to benefit cold water swimmers and other water sports enthusiasts.
Officially designated bathing waters are monitored by the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales during the swimming season, which traditionally runs from May to September. Each site receives annual ratings ranging from excellent to poor based on water quality data and pollution risk forecasts issued during the season. However, criticisms of the system point out its limitation in acknowledging the growing popularity of coastal and inland bathing spots beyond the summer months.
The proposed changes include eliminating fixed bathing water season dates from the regulations to allow more flexible monitoring based on usage patterns. The plan also involves broadening the legal definition of bathers to encompass individuals engaging in water sports other than swimming for enhanced safety measures. Additionally, there’s a proposal to assess the feasibility of elevating water quality standards at sites like river wild swimming spots before designation to target investments effectively.
Moreover, the proposals aim to discontinue the automatic “de-designation” of bathing water status after a site receives a “poor” rating for five consecutive years. Instead, underperforming sites will undergo individual review by regulators to prevent prolonged failure. Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasised the need for reform to enhance the public’s enjoyment and safety at bathing waters.
Campaigners have largely welcomed the consultation, with River Action’s Amy Fairman lauding the move to extend water testing year-round and reframe designations from ‘bathing waters’ to ‘recreational waters.’ However, she stressed the necessity of reviewing water company permits to raise water quality standards. Mark Lloyd of The Rivers Trust highlighted the importance of driving improvements in natural environments and ensuring sustainable recreational water use.
Giles Bristow from Surfers Against Sewage called for radical reforms in the bathing water designation process, urging monitoring of emerging pollutants like PFAS that pose health risks. He stressed transparency and monitoring as crucial factors for navigating issues around water quality. The proposed changes align with the goal of making water bodies safer for recreational activities and promoting environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, the consultation on reforming regulations for bathing waters reflects a proactive approach to addressing water quality concerns and enhancing safety for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. By embracing more inclusive monitoring practices and revamping designation criteria, the government aims to promote a healthier and more enjoyable experience for all who engage with the UK’s waters.