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Reform of The Bathing Water Regulations 2013
28 October 2025
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
At a Glance
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.
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