Water quality in England’s bathing areas has hit a new low, with a record number of sites deemed “poor” this year, according to new figures.

This decline follows the inclusion of 16 river areas in summer testing for harmful bacteria, part of efforts to address pollution in England’s rivers.

The results reveal a stark disparity between the quality of river water and coastal bathing sites, underscoring the impact of water company sewage and agricultural runoff.

This year, 27 new areas were granted bathing water status, which subjects them to testing for bacteria such as E. coli and intestinal enterococci during the summer season (May to September). Of these, 16 were river sites, and most failed to meet minimum standards.

Overall, 37 of the 450 bathing water sites tested nationwide—8.2%—were classified as “poor,” the highest proportion on record.

The data highlights a troubling contrast: while 95% of coastal sites met minimum water quality standards, only 53% of inland sites, predominantly rivers, achieved the same. Furthermore, the proportion of locations rated as “excellent” dropped to 64.2% (289 sites), down from 72% in previous years.

Some coastal areas fared poorly as well, with beaches in Blackpool and Weston-super-Mare receiving only “sufficient” or “poor” classifications.

Several newly designated river sites illustrate the challenges. The River Wharfe at Ilkley, the first river to achieve bathing water status four years ago, remains classified as “poor” despite ongoing advocacy.

Similarly, the River Thames’ two designated bathing areas, Wolvercote Mill Stream and Wallingford Beach, both received “poor” ratings due to elevated bacterial levels.

Campaigners like Becky Malby of Ilkley Clean River expressed frustration over delays in implementing basic infrastructure to clean up rivers.

“Ilkley is on the cusp of securing an improved water system that will ensure our river is fit for people and wildlife,” she said. “Last year Yorkshire Water put in a huge new sewer to divert sewage from the bathing site to the sewage works. But to clean up the whole area we need better infrastructure.

“Ofwat has approved the funding, Yorkshire Water has made a plan for new storage tanks, an integrated wetland and better treatment of our sewage. We now wait for the Environment Agency to approve the plan so that our sewage can be treated and our river water quality can change from poor quality to sufficient in a few more years.”

She said it was shocking that the basic infrastructure to clean up rivers was taking so long. “The inability of the water companies and regulators to recognise the pollution sources, and to put plans in place with any semblance of haste despite years of public outrage is disgraceful,” she said.

The government currently uses four years of data to determine water quality classifications, which helps identify trends and guide pollution prevention measures.

Emma Hardy, the water minister, said: “These figures are unacceptable and show that 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.”

However, proposed regulatory changes may extend testing beyond the summer swimming season. Environmental groups are advocating for faster and more comprehensive action to address persistent water quality issues.

Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, called for radical reform of the bathing water regime.

“The consultation to reform the regulations is vital and must deliver a year-round bathing season, with year-round testing. We need multiple monitoring points, and testing for a wide range of pollutants.”

Meanwhile, the charity Thames21 is urging immediate measures to prevent long-term damage.

Claire Robertson, the Oxford rivers project officer for the charity, said: “We want to see much clearer targets and plans from the Environment Agency as to how they are going to improve the water quality at Wolvercote and Wallingford, and in the Thames in general.”

Under current rules, sites consistently rated as “poor” for five years lose their bathing water designation, reducing pressure on water companies to make improvements.

The record level of poor water quality coincides with rising public concern over sewage discharges into rivers. Last year, sewage pollution from water companies reached an all-time high, further exacerbating the issue.

For newly designated sites like Sheep’s Green on the River Cam, the River Avon at Fordingbridge, and the River Dart estuary at Steamer Quay, achieving better water quality remains a critical challenge.

As campaigners and environmental groups continue to push for action, the latest findings underscore the urgent need for investment in cleaning up England’s rivers and safeguarding water quality for future generations.

 

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