England has found a way to protect its rivers and rivers from pollution: turn them into official bathing areas. For example, two basins, including part of the Thames near Oxford, will become official wildlife bathing areas from 15 May, the British government announced on Tuesday 12 April. Which protects these rivers and allows the locals to swim happily.
Environmentalists applaud this new status. Indeed, it makes it possible to put pressure on the water companies so that they stop discharging waste water in the places where the English often bathe. The Environment Agency will need to take regular samples to assess water quality and determine whether measures are needed to lower bacteria levels and allow swimmers to swim without endangering their health.
The UK government recently committed to cut wastewater discharges near bathing areas by 70% by 2035 during the bathing season. A plan deemed inadequate by environmentalists who want this vigilance runs year-round.
In Oxford, local residents have been involved in getting these new regulations for these wild ponds. “They showed that they broadly endorsed these sites as places to enjoy and connect with nature”British Environment Secretary Rebecca Pow said in a press release. “I am therefore happy that these sites are getting bathing water status”†
This measure also affects a coastal area on the East Cowes Esplanade on the Isle of Wight. In 2020, residents of Yorkshire already had this status for the River Wharfe in Ilkley. The first in England.
(ETX Daily Up)