Stuart Anderson MP Urges Residents to Have Say on Bathing Water Reforms, As Clean Up Progress Stalls
Stuart Anderson MP has expressed his disappointment that efforts to improve bathing water quality has stalled, as the latest figures show the proportion of ‘good’ and ‘excellent' rated sites has fallen.
In 2023, 96% of bathing waters in England met at least the minimum standard, and 90% were rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ - up from just 76% in 2010, despite the classification standards becoming stricter in 2015. This year, only 92% of bathing waters in England have met minimum water quality standards, with only 85% rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent.’
It means that a record number of England’s 450 designated sites have been classified as having poor water quality this year after - with around one in 12 failing to meet water quality standards and 16 rivers testing for harmful bacteria.
Designated sites are subject to a regular programme of testing, which ensures that any water quality issues can be quickly resolved. One new site designed in May upstream of Dinham Bridge at the River Teme in Ludlow was rated 'poor' - meaning the water sampled there has not met the minimum standard.
The previous government was the first to set a clear expectation that water companies must reduce storm overflows. It was a significant step forward and set stringent, time-bound targets that the water industry must meet to progressively reduce discharges from storm overflows - with designated bathing waters being the first sites to see change.
Following publication of the latest figures, Stuart has requested details of how the government intends to maintain this progress. In his letter to the Environment Secretary, Stuart has urged the Government to take urgent action to addressing the slipping standards, including at the River Teme.
Stuart has also urged residents to have their say on proposed reforms to bathing water regulations, as the government has set out plans to deliver a "more flexible approach" to designation and monitoring. He has said the reforms should address the current application process being long-winded, time-insensitive, and lacking transparency.
Protecting the countryside is a key part of Stuart's plan for South Shropshire. He has said that he is dedicated to protecting and enhancing our natural assets, delivering the funding and protections needed to sustain the wildlife and supporting the people who live, work, and spend time in the area.
The consultation is running from 00.01 12 November 2024 to 23:59 23 December 2024. More details can be found at https://consult.defra.gov.uk/water/bathing-water-reforms-consultation/.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"South Shropshire is such a special place to live. Our rivers and streams sustain a rich variety of wildlife and brings so much joy to the many people who enjoy visiting the area and swimming in our designated bathing sites. I am disappointed that progress on improving their quality has stalled, with one new site at the River Teme being rated as 'poor'. This new government must build on the last government's action to conserve and enhance these sites. So, I have called on the government to set out how it will stop these standards from slipping. I am determined to conserve, protect, and enhance our beautiful constituency so that people can enjoy these areas and nature can thrive in them."
