Two popular swimming areas in the Isle of Wight and the River Thames in Oxford could become new bathing water sites under plans set out in consultations today.
Designated bathing waters are coastal or inland waters used by large numbers of people for swimming or paddling and have facilities to promote and support bathing, as set out in the Bathing Water Regulations 2013.
If the applications are successful, it means the sites would be monitored regularly during the bathing season, which in England runs from 15 May to 30 September, for bacteria detrimental to human health.
The Environment Agency takes water quality samples throughout the season before sites are classified annually as ‘excellent’, ’good’, ‘sufficient’ or ‘poor’ based on an assessment of the level of bacteria in the water.
The area in Oxford under consideration is Wolvercote Mill Stream on the River Thames at Port Meadow, and the area in the Isle of Wight under consideration is East Cowes Esplanade on the north coast of the island.
Local residents, including farmers, businesses and swimming groups, are invited to give their views on the respective sites until 2 March. After three weeks the responses will be reviewed and a final decision will be made by the Environment Secretary.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:
Bathing waters in England are a success story, with almost 95% achieving ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ status last year – the highest since new standards were introduced in 2015. We protect people’s health at popular swimming spots across the country by requiring the water quality at those sites to be regularly monitored and improvements made if they don’t meet the minimum standard.
It is great to see people getting involved in efforts to increase the number of designated bathing sites and I encourage local residents and swimmers to take part in these consultations so we can have as many views as possible to inform our final decision.
Any surface water can be designated as a bathing water if it is used by a large number of people and meets the requirements for designation. Designation does not indicate that the water quality is of bathing water standard as that is not considered in the assessment. There are currently 419 designated bathing waters in England.
Share on Facebook «||»
Share on Twitter «||»
Share on Reddit «||»
Share on LinkedIn
Next stage for Isle of Wight coastal defence scheme: Scheme will reduce risk of flooding and coastal erosion to more than 3,700 homes and business on the island along with infrastructure and protected habitats....
Isle of Wight Hoarder House Listed for £400,000: Estate Agents Issue Safety Warning as Junk-Filled Property Hits the Market: A six-bedroom house located on the Isle of Wight has been listed for sale at £400,000, presenting itself as an ideal family home from the...
Residents of Britain’s ‘Most Beautiful Village’ Protest Against Thames Water for Dumping Sewage in River: …By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media. Iconic UK village, featured on passports, protests sewage dumping into river Residents of Bibury in the Cotswolds, the village...
Taps installed but no water: Areas in South Africa still without water: The promised standpipes have finally been installed in Emakhabeleni north of Kranskop in KwaZulu-Natal. But there is no water in them because of “water-shedding”, says...
Police ask for help identifying a body found in the River Thames. A decade ago: Authorities are seeking assistance in identifying an individual whose body was discovered in the River Thames a decade ago. The incident occurred on August 26,...
Dolphins Spotted in the River Thames: Spectators Gather as Fire Brigade Called Over Concerns, Eyewitness Describes the Mesmerizing Scene: Dolphins Bring Joy to River Thames: Fire Brigade Responds Amid Spectator Excitement In an enchanting event, dolphins were spotted frolicking in the River Thames, captivating...
Holy Land Prayer Ministry Organizes Hilarious Baby Bathing Competition for Fathers: Holy Land Prayer Ministry Organizes Hilarious Baby Bathing Competition for Fathers In a delightful event orchestrated by the Holy Land Prayer Ministry in Onitsha, a...
UK Government Considers Emergency Nationalisation of Debt-Stricken Thames Water: Advertisement Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media Advertisement Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn...
Thames Water Chief Executive Sarah Bentley Resigns Amidst Financial and Environmental Challenges: Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn...
Princess of Wales has discloses that she enjoys cold water swimming at night on rugby star podcast.: Princess of Wales’s Sporting Revelations on Rugby Podcast Beer Pong and Competitive Spirit In a surprising turn of events, the Princess of Wales, a prominent...