Bathing waters have continually improved since 1990 when just 28% met European water quality standards. In 2016, 98.5% of bathing waters in England attained ‘sufficient’ or higher standard. Last year the excessive wet weather proved an added challenge to maintain bathing water quality but a high result of 98.3% was still achieved.
There has been a concerted effort over the last 25 years to reduce pollution and look after our rivers, lakes and the sea. Bathing waters can be affected by sewage discharges from storm overflows, sewer blockages, livestock manure, domestic mis-connections and wildlife and dogs on or near beaches.
Bathing waters and agriculture
The agricultural industry has been working hard to minimise agriculture’s impact. Farmers have been supported to protect the water environment through the Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative and industry-led projects like the Campaign for the Farmed Environment and Tried & Tested.
The NFU members ‘Bathing Waters and Agriculture’ briefing explains how farmers in coastal areas can help improve bathing waters.
Farmers can find support to protect the water environment through Catchment Sensitive Farming and Campaign for the Farmed Environment. Best practice advice on manure and nutrient management can be ordered from Tried & Tested.
You can find out more about your closest bathing water at: