River Thames Set for First Official Bathing Site in Major Water Quality Milestone
The River Thames in London is on the verge of a historic transformation, with plans to designate its first official bathing site. This move represents a significant milestone in improving water quality, as the river was declared biologically dead in the 1950s due to severe pollution. Officials have hailed this as a vast transformation, marking a new era for the iconic waterway.
Government Proposes 13 New Bathing Sites Across England
The Thames site is one of 13 new locations being proposed by the government to expand England's network of official bathing waters. If approved, these additions would increase the total number of designated sites to 464, encompassing beaches, coastal stretches, rivers, and lakes. The proposals aim to reflect local community pride and ambition, according to Water Minister Emma Hardy.
Rivers and beaches are at the heart of so many communities, where people come together, families make memories and swimmers of all ages feel the benefits of being outdoors safely, Hardy stated. Our plans to designate new bathing water sites show how we are backing local ambition and recognising the pride in places that matter most to people.
Enhanced Monitoring and Expanded Definitions
The government has reformed the bathing water system to introduce more flexible monitoring dates, aligning with when people actually use the sites. Additionally, the legal definition of bather has been expanded to include participants in water sports such as paddle boarding and surfing. This ensures broader protection and information for all recreational users.
Designated status means these locations will undergo regular water quality testing, providing the public with vital information on the safety of swimming, paddling, and other water activities. In 2025, 87% of England's designated bathing sites were rated excellent or good, with 93% meeting at least the minimum standards. However, 7%—32 sites—failed to meet minimum water quality requirements.
Notable Proposed Sites and Their Significance
The 13 proposed sites, which will now enter a public consultation phase, include a diverse range of picturesque and culturally significant locations:
- River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London: Potentially becoming London's first river bathing site on the Thames.
- East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset: The filming location for the ITV drama Broadchurch.
- Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire: A meadow and river area that inspired The Wind In The Willows.
- River Swale in Richmond, North Yorkshire: Features dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps.
- Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland: A crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea, popular with locals.
- Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon: A narrow tidal inlet in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex: A family-favourite sandy beach.
- Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent: A shingle beach used by swimmers and kayakers.
- Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire: Where the River Avon flows through a green space commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
- River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall: A tidal river flowing through the heart of the town.
- Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk: A riverside community space on the River Waveney.
- New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside: A sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary.
- River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire: A popular spot for families and water sports.
Community and Environmental Impact
Local communities and campaigners anticipate that this initiative will increase pressure for concerted efforts to clean up Britain's rivers and coastal waters. The government has linked these plans to broader generational reforms of the water system, aimed at cutting pollution and ensuring long-term improvements.
This comes alongside this Government's generational reform of the water system that will cut water pollution and clean up our rivers lakes and seas for good, Hardy added, underscoring the commitment to sustainable environmental management.
The proposed bathing sites not only enhance recreational opportunities but also symbolize a renewed focus on water quality and public health, setting a precedent for future conservation efforts across the country.
