Designated bathing water

FAQs

What is Bathing Water Designation?

Bathing water designation denotes sites that are popular for swimming and paddling. The UK has over 600 of these, though nearly all are coastal. The first area of river was awarded designation in early 2021, for the Wharfe, at Ilkley.

The basis for the water quality standards that are set for bathing waters is World Health Organisation research. The water is required to be tested regularly during the bathing season, between May and the end of September, to gauge levels of bacteria that may be harmful and that usually get into the water from sewage and animal manure.

Each area of designation is categorised as excellent, good, sufficient or poor. The local council must then display information about water quality and pollution during the bathing season, including in response to any temporary pollution incidents. 

What will the campaign involve?

The first stage of the application is to gauge and gather local support, from key stakeholders as well as the general public.

This application is already supported our Welsh Assembly member Kirsty Williams, our local Powys Councillor and chair of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Gareth Ratcliffe as well as our MP Fay Jones. We are in the process of seeking support from Powys County Council and Hay Town Council.

We will also hold a public consultation which will include surveying local residents, businesses and river users. The next stage is to monitor the number of people using The Warren during the bathing season. This runs from May – October so we will be out and about counting bathers and paddlers over the summertime.

What is the campaign trying to achieve?

This campaign hopes to achieve bathing water designation for The Warren beach in Hay-on-Wye. We see this not only as an important safety measure for the many people who are in and around the river each year but also an opportunity to raise awareness about the current state of the waterways in the UK. We believe that through the necessary testing we can make informed decisions about our own safety but furthermore can also gain a better understanding of pollution problems in order to work towards appropriate solutions.

How do I get involved?

We will need volunteers over the summer months to help us survey the number of people at The Warren. This will be a fairly straightforward process and we will provide all the information you need. If you think you might be able to help with this or any other aspect of the campaign please sign up for updates or get in touch with us at hello@fouw.org.uk.

Why are you worried about sewage?

Sewage effluent contains high concentrations of nutrients, which threatens the ecological health of rivers, and high concentrations of faecal bacteria which can cause human health problems.

The river looks clean to me, surely it isn’t that bad?

Whilst there is no denying that, while the river beach is in a beautiful area, sometimes the problems are not always easy to spot. In some cases it may be possible to see evidence of pollution but not all issues are immediately clear to the naked eye. Bathing water designation will lead to more testing and a better understanding of the state of the river.

Does this mean the river isn’t safe?

Not necessarily. There is further testing to be done to determine exactly where and when the problems in the water are at their worst. 

What we do know already is that Dwr Cymru reported that in 2019 the outlets between Glasbury and The Warren spilled a combined total of 16 times for a total duration of 52 hours. Further upstream the outlet at Three Cocks is reported to have spilled 31 times for a total duration of 172 hours and the outlets in Talgarth are reported to have spilled 43 times for a total duration of 153.5 hours in the same year.

Bathing water designation would require signage to inform the public of the condition of the river throughout the bathing season.

Could the river water be harmful to dogs?

Unfortunately, these issues don’t only impact bathers, but animals, wildlife and the whole river ecosystem.

Are you trying to encourage more swimmers in the river?

No. We are aware that people are already swimming or paddling in the river in great numbers every year and believe that people deserve to be fully informed before they decide to do so. Furthermore, we view this application as one of various ways to highlight the issues facing our rivers and the environment as a whole and therefore view it is an opportunity not to be missed. As concerned citizens we feel that only by gathering a full picture of the river’s true state can we begin to look towards solutions and improvements.

We value the natural world that here in Hay we are so lucky to be surrounded by and wish to protect it. This does not alter the fact that The Warren is already ‘on the map’ for many locals and visitors alike. Whilst we have no desire to promote it any further as a destination, we do see a need to improve water quality for these people as well as for the health of the river itself.

Won’t people swimming in the river be worse for the environment?

We acknowledge that any human ‘use’ of the natural world may be to its detriment and we are keen to promote respectful and responsible interaction with the river and its environs.

However, as above, we also know that The Warren is already well used by people, as it has been for many decades and accepting the water quality at a low standard will help neither people nor environment.

Further to this we strongly feel that by encouraging a personal connection to and appreciation for the natural world people will be more likely to take care of it.

What about other dangers of swimming in the river?

There are possible dangers to swimming in the river, as there are with many outdoor pursuits.

We do not think this is a reason to ignore the fact that many people have taken great joy in swimming here for generations and regardless of this campaign will likely continue to do so. We hope that people will continue to approach the river with due caution and being informed about all potential risks, including those of water quality, should be part of that choice.

Will this require changes at The Warren?

The short answer is no. The only requirement beyond testing the water is that signage is displayed to inform the public of water quality and any specific pollution incidents. 

As local residents and swimmers ourselves we have a strong desire to protect and preserve our river and the land surrounding it.

There are no plans as part of this application to make any changes to the infrastructure or setting of The Warren beach, and indeed we do not have the power to do so. 

Do these problems just affect The Wye?

Sadly, no. As of 2019 only 14% of rivers across the UK were rated as being of good ecological quality within the Water Framework Directive.

There are many areas of human activity that have an impact on the health of the river. These include industry, urban and transport impacts, agriculture, water industry, mining and quarrying.

The problem of our sewage infrastructure is one that is ongoing and starting to come under greater scrutiny with parliamentary bills such as Philip Dunne’s Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill.

There is much information to be found on this topic, a great starting point for further reading is www.theriverstrust.org.