The River Thames at Ham in south-west London has been shortlisted as one of 13 new potential bathing water areas across England. The designation would require more rigorous monitoring for pollution by the Environment Agency.
Campaigners led by Marlene Lawrence of the Teddington Bluetits submitted the application, citing thousands of people who swim in the Thames year-round. Lawrence said the status would be 'amazing for the river' and help drive cleanliness.
The proposal could conflict with Thames Water's plans for a water recycling scheme nearby, which would draw millions of litres from the Thames and replace it with treated effluent from Mogden sewage works. The Environment Agency previously rejected the scheme due to environmental concerns.
Other shortlisted sites include the River Yealm in Devon, River Fowey in Cornwall, River Dee in Chester, and the River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire. The public consultation runs for six weeks.
Water minister Emma Hardy said the designations 'show how we are backing local ambition'. If approved, the total number of designated bathing waters would rise to 464.
