Report reveals ‘shocking state of bathing waters’ across UK

Giles Bristow, chief executive of SAS, said: ‘Yet again, our annual water quality report reveals the complacency and disregard of governments, water companies and regulators towards the health of rivers and coastlines in the UK – and by extension people’s health.

‘We are seeing failure at every level – from governments and regulators failing to enforce the law, to water company fat cats pocketing dirty money and refusing to clean up their act – with the general public ending up the biggest loser every time.’

Labour’s shadow secretary of state for the environment, Steve Reed MP, said: ‘The water industry is broken after 13 years of Tory government – with stinking, toxic sewage lapping up on our rivers, lakes, and seas.

‘It is disgusting that families and children cannot enjoy our waters without the threat of getting sick.’

‘We now need to do the same for our rivers and inland bathing areas to ensure we meet public expectation.’

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: ‘Whether it’s tackling agricultural pollution, road run-off or sewage discharges, we know there is more to do to improve designated bathing sites and our waterways, which is why we will work with everyone – from farmers or water companies through to citizen scientists – to reduce pollution.