We've got just 2 days left to reach our appeal target - we're 60% of the way there. Can you chip in to help us get over the line? Every donation counts - and is DOUBLED!

John, what’s the state of your local waterway?

It’s probably no surprise to you that the UK’s bathing water quality is some of the worst in Europe. Shockingly, only 14% of rivers in England are ecologically healthy. Of those, only 15 rivers are designated bathing waters – meaning they officially get tested May to September for water quality.  

For over ten years, we’ve been calling on the government to reform the bathing waters legislation. And the government has finally launched a consultation to do just that. This is a HUGE win. 

We’ve quite literally waded through 💩 to get here – you’ve been out there testing water quality, so we have evidence to back up our demands. You’ve engaged MPs and put pen to paper to quadruple the number of bathing water spaces you surf, swim, paddle and play in 🌊. Year after year, you’ve put in the work, and it’s paid off.  

These wins are PROOF that all our actions do add up. 

Will you donate to our Wave of Action Appeal today and help make sure our demands are turned into action with a robust reform of bathing water regulations?  

John, we’ve shown how much power we have to create change. But we can’t stop now. Whilst we welcome the government’s consultation, we’re worried it won’t go far enough.

Currently, bathing water designations only take into account swimmers, not other water users. And water quality is only monitored for part of the year, so if you’re going cold-water swimming in winter, you have no idea of the state of the water. We need radical changes to how our waters are designated. 

Over the next 2 days, every donation will be DOUBLED until we reach our target. We’re 60% of the way there – help us get over the finish line.

Thank you for all you do for our wild waters - we’re proof people power works.

Kirsty Davies 

Community Water Quality Manager