The government says six new river bathing sites being introduced across the UK will be monitored for the first time this summer.
The news comes as MP, Munira Wilson, urges the government to scarp its controversial sewage recycling proposals.
Thames Water’s Teddington Direct River Abstraction proposals would replace river water with treated sewage at nearby Teddington Lock.
The River Thames in Teddington had the sixth greatest concentration of toxic PFAS substances in the UK between 2019 and 2022.
Munira Wilson says:
“The news that our stretch of the river will be part of London’s first-ever official bathing spot is wonderful news for all of the swimmers, kayakers, paddle boarders and rowers who love and enjoy our precious river.
“I’m grateful to local campaigners like the Teddington Bluetits and the Ham and Kingston Bathers for their tireless efforts to make this happen. Now, I urge the Government to go even further to ensure the highest levels of water quality in our river by scrapping Thames Water’s controversial sewage recycling proposals at Teddington once and for all. Then we can finally say with confidence that we have done our utmost to ensure the clean, healthy water that people and wildlife need and deserve.”
Water Minister Emma Hardy says:
“The introduction of these new bathing sites means better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers.
“Following years of indifference towards bathing waters, this government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector.
“We’re committed to generational reform of our water industry and won’t stop until the job is done.”
The Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality at designated bathing water sites and assesses whether action is needed to cut pollution levels – working with local communities, farmers, and water companies to improve water quality at these locations.
Environmental officers on site every week at each of these locations throughout the summer will be taking and assessing water samples, and publishing that information online.
