Recent figures reveal a stark increase in the number of Britain's bathing spots that are unsafe for swimming, with 37 of 451 spots now rated poor due to sewage contamination. This marks a troubling rise from just 18 in the previous year, highlighting a significant concern over water quality in the UK. The alarming trend is compounded by over 6,000 sewage discharges recorded this month alone, raising calls from the Environment Agency and environmental groups for urgent action to address pollution levels and protect public health.
Of England's 451 protected bathing spots, 37 are now rated as poor – the lowest category – due to unsafe levels of potentially deadly bacteria from sewage spills.
The shocking state of Britain's bathing waters has been laid bare as new figures reveal the number beauty spots deemed unfit for swimming because of sewage has doubled in a year.
The highest number of pollution incidents recorded in 2024 was at Wallasey, in Birkenhead, which had 2,201 spills, prompting concern about water quality.
The Environment Agency stated that the recorded level of pollution is unacceptable and emphasized the need for stricter regulations on sewage discharge.
Collection
[
|
...
]