Shropshire Bathing Waters
Why Bathing Water Status in Shropshire
In Shropshire, we are lucky enough to have some of the most beautiful waterways in the country. Including the River Severn and its tributary, the River Teme. Particularly during the warmer months of ((xx bathing season)), these waters are enjoyed by many swimmers, paddlers and boaters. We want to make sure that they can do this as safely as possible.
Who are we?
We are (a local action group?) who want people to be able to use our waterways as safely as possible. To ensure that this is possible , we campaigned for and were granted official Bathing Water Status for three parts of our rivers. Now we are working to hold the Environment Agency (and anyone else?) to their commitments to improve the quality of the river water and to improve communication with users of our rivers.
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What is Bathing Water Status?
Bathing Water Status is official recognition by the Environment Agency that an area of water is regularly used for bathing. Once an area has that status, the Environment Agency is compelled to:
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test the water there
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investigate pollution and polluters
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make it cleaner. (is this true? Are they compelled to make it cleaner or just investigate?)
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It is a way to focus attention on specific areas to have the water monitored and improved.
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What parts of Shropshire rivers have Bathing Water Status
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In the River Severn at Frankwell in Shrewsbury
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In the River Severn at the beach by the Museum of the Gorge in Ironbridge
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In the River Teme from the pontoon in The Linney Playing Fields down to Dinham Weir in Ludlow
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You can find more about these spots here.​
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How do I know when it is safe to go in?​
​(overall statement encouraging but warning eg right now, not when its rained.) (where to find out)​​​​​​​​​
