BrowseConsultations
CONSULT.Outcome publishedConsultation · gov.uk

Reforms to The Bathing Water Regulations 2013

We are seeking views on proposed reforms and technical amendments to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013.

Last fetched 03 May 2026 · gov.uk
Detail

We want to know what you think about:

  • removal of automatic de-designation after 5 years of ‘poor’ water quality
  • changes to the designation criteria of bathing sites
  • removing the fixed dates of the bathing season from regulations

We also need your views on proposed Technical Amendments, as well as potential upcoming reforms on:

  • the definition of ‘bathers’
  • the introduction of multiple monitoring points at bathing sites

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Welsh Government may respond differently to the outcomes of the consultation.

You can read the Welsh version of the bathing waters consultation.

Documents