The Rivers Trust responds to 2025 Bathing Water Classifications

While it is great to see more bathing water sites meeting higher standards this year, The Rivers Trust is disheartened that so many river sites have been assessed as “Poor” according to Environment Agency data.

These classifications lay bare the sorry state of our rivers and challenge us to go further and faster in our efforts to restore them to good health, for the benefit of people and nature. Many of us enjoy spending time in and on our rivers, and across the country, Rivers Trusts have been working with local communities, businesses and regulators to implement solutions to improve river water quality. These efforts will continue as we know just how beneficial river bathing is for public health and wellbeing.

The government is currently amending the bathing water regime, and it is critical that they do not rush through changes that mean, in future, we give up on river sites simply because they are challenging to improve. The Rivers Trust has been clear that government plans to introduce a feasibility assessment for proposed new sites must not disproportionately affect river sites, as they provide important access to nature and exercise for people in more urban areas or living further from the coast.

The Rivers Trust urges the government to learn from the good work going on across the country as they develop the new approach to assessing bathing water sites. Cost-effective catchment and nature-based solutions and local insight from communities and businesses must be factored into any assessment process. We will continue to engage with the government and press them to develop a new system that delivers for people and rivers.