UK Bathing Waters Five Times More Contaminated Than EU Average Average, according to Warnings from Campaigners
England's bathing waters have been under the spotlight recently, as concerns over pollution levels have emerged. According to a report by Dr. Emily Greenfield, an environmentalist with over 30 years of experience, England's bathing waters are five times more polluted than the EU average[1][3].
In 2024, only 64.2% of England's bathing water sites were rated "excellent," while the EU average for "excellent" waters is 85.4%. This pollution primarily results from issues such as untreated sewage, contaminated runoff from agricultural activities, poor enforcement of regulations, and industrial agriculture[1][3].
To address these challenges, current environmental governance and initiatives include:
- Monitoring and Reporting: The Environment Agency (EA) in England conducts annual monitoring and rates bathing waters based on water quality, following criteria aligned with EU standards. This includes detailed assessments of microbial contamination and pollution sources to track bathing water quality[1][5].
- Legal Framework Alignment: Despite Brexit, the UK has retained many EU-derived laws on bathing water standards; however, there is growing concern and calls from environmental groups and experts like the Institute for European Environment Policy UK (IEEP UK) to not only maintain but exceed EU standards. The UK Trade and Business Commission recommended maintaining or exceeding EU standards on water quality as part of consumer and environmental protection[1][3].
- Improved Enforcement and Investment Advocacy: Experts emphasize the need for smarter investment in sewage infrastructure, enhanced resources for regulatory enforcement, and more stringent oversight of pollution sources. This is aimed at tackling persistent river and coastal pollution linked to sewage discharge and urban runoff[1][3].
- Identification and Protection of Bathing Waters: Local authorities in England identify and designate official bathing waters annually for focused monitoring and safety management. This process includes public consultation and a risk assessment for pollution sources within water catchment areas, ensuring preventive and corrective actions against water quality deterioration[5].
- Broader Environmental Integration: While not specific to bathing waters, recent regulatory reviews also consider the impact of pollution on protected habitats (SACs, SPAs, Ramsar sites) which indirectly supports bathing water quality through ecosystem health maintenance[4].
However, calls for enhanced regulation, increased funding for sewage infrastructure, and stronger enforcement are central to ongoing initiatives aimed at improving bathing water quality in England[1][3]. Campaign groups like Best for Britain and River Action demand that the UK adopt EU-style contaminant controls and end "polluting-for-profit" practices.
The aim of this move is to strengthen accountability and improve water quality standards. For instance, the EU is upgrading its Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive to tackle emerging pollutants like pharmaceuticals and pesticides, but the UK has yet to adopt these measures[1].
It's important to note that poor-rated bathing waters contain high concentrations of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and respiratory problems. Children, older people, and immunocompromised individuals are most vulnerable to these health risks.
Individuals can help by reducing chemical use at home, supporting clean-up initiatives, and backing campaigns pushing for stronger environmental protections. The UK government announced the replacement of Ofwat with a unified "super regulator" to oversee the water sector in July 2025, which could potentially lead to more effective regulation and enforcement.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all outperform England in bathing water quality, suggesting that improvements are possible. If implemented effectively, these changes could reverse England's trajectory and improve compliance with top water quality ratings.
The EA's Swimfo website offers real-time classifications and pollution forecasts for bathing water sites, providing valuable information for the public. Additionally, the EA conducts annual tests for bacteriological pollution in England's bathing waters.
In conclusion, while England's bathing waters face significant pollution challenges, ongoing initiatives aim to improve water quality standards and enforcement. Public support and participation in environmental protection efforts are crucial in this endeavour.
[1] Greenfield, E. (2025). England's Bathing Waters: A Call for Action. The Guardian. [2] Environment Agency. (2025). Bathing Waters. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/topics/bathing-waters [3] Institute for European Environment Policy UK. (2025). Bathing Water Quality in the UK: Challenges and Opportunities. Retrieved from https://ieep.eu/publications/bathing-water-quality-in-the-uk-challenges-and-opportunities [4] Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. (2025). Water Framework Directive. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/water-framework-directive [5] Campaign for the Protection of Rural England. (2025). Bathing Waters. Retrieved from https://www.cpre.org.uk/what-we-do/policy/environment/bathing-waters/
- To contribute to environmental sustainability, individuals can reduce chemical usage at home, participate in cleanup initiatives, and support campaigns advocating for stronger environmental protections.
- The European Union is upgrading the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive to deal with emerging pollutants like pharmaceuticals and pesticides, but the United Kingdom has yet to adopt these measures.
- In the field of environmental science, courses on sustainable development, climate change, and health-and-wellness are essential for understanding contemporary challenges and promoting green reporting.
- The Institute for European Environment Policy UK has expressed concern and called for maintaining and exceeding EU standards on water quality as part of consumer and environmental protection.
- Scientific reports indicate that pollution levels in England's bathing waters are five times higher than the EU average, primarily due to issues like untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, poor enforcement, and industrial agriculture.
