'Don't swim' at 12 of 14 river bathing sites, as more locations announced
Summary
Most of England’s official river bathing sites have poor water quality, with warnings in place advising people not to swim. The government is adding six new river bathing sites to be tested this summer, but concerns remain about pollution from sewage and farming.Key Facts
- Out of 14 tested river bathing sites in England, 12 have poor water quality.
- Only the River Stour in Suffolk and the River Thames in Oxfordshire are considered safe for swimming.
- Six new river bathing sites will be monitored this summer, including one on the River Thames in London.
- The Environment Agency tests over 460 sites regularly; most are coastal but more lakes and rivers are now included.
- Water quality in coastal areas tends to be better than in rivers, which often suffer from sewage and farm runoff pollution.
- To be an official bathing site, a location must meet rules about visitor numbers and nearby toilet facilities.
- Campaigners say naming a river a bathing site helps push water companies to reduce sewage pollution.
- Water companies warn that designating sites before they are clean may mislead the public about safety.
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