UK government commits to modernising bathing water rules

The government is also planning to introduce multiple monitoring points at each bathing water location as part of a change to regulations. 

It means recreational water users like sailors, paddlers, surfers, and rowers, and not just swimmers, will benefit from better water quality at bathing water locations. 

The RYA and our partners in the Clean Water Sports Alliance (CWSA) have been campaigning for these changes. 

The new bathing water rules, the first update in over a decade, will also include removing fixed season dates from regulations. 

Water quality and public health will be prioritised at new bathing water sites. 

Applications for new bathing waters in England will re-open in May, and those sites will be assessed against the government’s newly reformed standards, set to become law later this year. 

'Encouraging development'

Phil Horton, RYA Environment and Sustainability Manager comments on behalf of the CWSA: "For the water sports community, the commitment to modernise our outdated bathing water regulations is an encouraging development. 

“More people than ever want to be in, on or alongside our waterways, to relax, to explore, to spend time with friends and, importantly, to stay healthy.

“We are pleased that with these new reforms, the Government is showing it recognises the diversity of where, when and how the public wish to enjoy blue spaces.

“We hope this announcement will have a ripple effect on the government's plans for wider reform across all our waters, helping turn the tide on pollution and giving more people an opportunity to access cleaner, safer waters for recreation." 

A public consultation was launched, in 2024, in a bid to modernise bathing waters rules, of which there are 550 in England and Wales. 

The government said members of the public, environmental groups, farmers, businesses and local authorities showed clear support for modernising bathing water regulations.  

Defra will work closely with the Environment Agency to ensure the new measures are implemented effectively and ensure everyone can safely access bathing waters. 

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “Bathing water sites are the pride of local communities across the country.

“But things can only get cleaner. We must go further and faster to open up our waterways for families to enjoy.

“The government is upgrading outdated regulations, so they are fit for purpose.

“It is also why we are re-opening applications for new bathing sites in England, so that more people have the opportunity to experience the benefits of our beautiful waters.”

Updating bathing water regulations is part of a government action plan to tackle our water system.

Other measures include banning bonuses for polluting water bosses through the Water (Special Measures) Act and ringfencing customer money for vital infrastructure projects.