House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Reform of The Bathing Water Regulations 2013
28 October 2025 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Proposed by Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Government has laid before Parliament a Statutory Instrument to amend the Bathing Water Regulations 2013.
- The amendments reflect changes from a November 2024 consultation, including removing automatic de-designation for poor classifications.
- The reforms also introduce feasibility assessments for designation decisions and allow site-specific bathing seasons.
Issue summary
The statement discusses amendments to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013 to improve bathing water quality and management.
Action requested
The Government has laid before Parliament a Statutory Instrument to amend the Bathing Water Regulations 2013, reflecting changes from a November 2024 consultation. The reforms include removing automatic de-designation for poor classifications, introducing feasibility assessments for designation decisions, allowing site-specific bathing seasons, and modernising technical requirements.
Key facts
- Amendments in the Bathing Water (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2025.
- Core Reform 1 removes automatic de-designation provision.
- Core Reform 2 introduces consideration of feasibility and safety risks for designation decisions.
- Core Reform 3 allows site-specific bathing seasons with a general season from May to September.
- Technical amendments modernise the regulatory framework, improving operational efficiency.
- Guidance will be published at the beginning of the 2026 general bathing season.