The RYA and the Clean Water Sports Alliance (CWSA) welcome the announcement of the Clean Water Bill, unveiled in the King’s Speech on Wednesday 13 May.

The Bill includes several important measures, including the creation of a new integrated regulator that will replace the current fragmented system by bringing together Ofwat, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Drinking Water Inspectorate under one body.

On behalf of the CWSA, RYA Sustainability Manager Kate Fortnam said: “This is a landmark moment for our rivers, lakes and seas. The creation of a powerful new integrated regulator, the end of operator self-monitoring, and the commitment to tackle pollution at source are all significant steps forward.

“However, as the Bill progresses through Parliament, we will continue to make the case that it must do more for the members we represent. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we are committed to working constructively with Ministers and officials to ensure the legislation delivers for everyone who loves being on, in and around our blue spaces. We look forward to engaging fully as the Bill makes its passage through Parliament.”

The CWSA will continue to push for further action in several key areas.

Recreational water users are not yet clearly recognised in the Bill’s summary. The Alliance believes the legislation should include a clear public health objective that explicitly protects people who sail, paddle, swim and row in rivers and lakes - not only those who drink the water. 

The Alliance will also closely examine whether the new regulator’s regional planning function includes meaningful representation for recreational water users, who are currently absent from the proposed Steering Group.

In addition, the CWSA will continue to advocate for reforms to bathing water regulations so that the definition of “bathers” includes water sports participants, alongside stronger duties on water companies to improve and protect access to rivers and lakes.

New bathing sites 

More positive news for the CWSA followed with the government announcing 13 new designated bathing water sites across England. Designated Bathing Waters receive enhanced water quality oversight, with regular testing carried out throughout the bathing season until the end of summer.

The 13 new locations (including the first on the Thames) were approved following a public consultation bringing the total number of regularly monitored bathing waters in England to more than 460. This expansion ensures communities are better informed when choosing where and when to access the water.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said the new sites mean “better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers”. She added, “We're committed to generational reform of our water industry and won't stop until the job is done”.

Environment Agency teams will conduct over 7,000 tests across all 460-plus locations throughout the season, with results published online. 

Other confirmed sites include Pangbourne Meadow in Berkshire, which inspired The Wind in the Willows, and East Beach at West Bay, Dorset, a filming location for the ITV drama Broadchurch.

The RYA is a founding member of the CWSA.

Find more information about our work in this area