We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Find out about the quality of water at England’s beaches and inland waters and signage rules for local councils.
Guidance and application forms to designate or de-designate a coastal or inland water as a bathing water.
Defra invites the public, community and environmental groups, farmers, businesses and local authorities to share views on modernising bathing water regulations.
Find out what information must be displayed at designated bathing waters.
Further action is needed to improve bathing water quality
Find out how clean the water is on beaches and in other bathing areas in England, and if there is a problem with pollution
Current list of designated bathing waters in England.
Annual statistics showing if bathing waters in England meet regulatory standards.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab).