Cleaner rivers
Last year, 90% of our designated bathing waters were classified as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, up from 76% in 2010. But we must go further.
Last month, a further 27 sites around the country were added to the list of designated bathing waters - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/record-number-of-new-bathing-sites-g… - but we also need to recognise the current definition of bathers is very outdated and does not take into account the wide range of activities in the Mersey and other rivers.
We're keen that the current regulations are updated to include not just swimmers but also rowers, kayakers and paddle boarders – giving everyone a say in improving our waters.
The dates when bathing waters are monitored also need to be more flexible to reflect the almost all-year round use of bathing waters.
Better bathing waters also means action on sewage discharges. Under the previous Government just 7% of outlets were independently monitored, meaning many incidents went unreported and those responsible, unpunished. Now, we have 100% monitoring and targets on leaks and pollution and this information is now made public.
So far, we have introduced unlimited fines for water companies but if a company has committed a serious breach, then executive bonuses should be banned. Those responsible must be held accountable, no matter how high up they are in the water companies.
