‘Do Not Swim’ Warnings Issued at Most of England’s River Bathing Sites Over Pollution Fears

Warning signs advising people not to swim have been placed at almost all of England’s official inland river bathing sites after water quality tests revealed unsafe contamination levels linked to human and animal waste.

The warnings come as the UK government announced six new inland river bathing sites will be monitored for the first time this summer, including the first designated swimming location on the River Thames in London. The move is part of a broader expansion of monitored bathing waters across England amid growing public interest in wild swimming and outdoor recreation.

Data from the Environment Agency shows that only two of the 14 inland river bathing sites tested last year met acceptable water quality standards. Those locations were the River Stour in Suffolk and a section of the River Thames in Oxfordshire. The remaining 12 sites were classified as having “poor” water quality, prompting official advice against swimming.

Environmental experts say inland rivers are particularly vulnerable to pollution from sewage discharges and agricultural runoff. During periods of heavy rainfall, storm overflow systems can release untreated sewage into rivers to prevent drainage networks from becoming overwhelmed. Waste from farms, including fertilizers and animal manure, also contributes significantly to bacterial contamination.

The government confirmed that 13 new bathing sites have been added nationwide this year, six of them located on inland rivers. England now has more than 460 officially monitored bathing waters. While most are coastal beaches and tidal estuaries, freshwater lakes and rivers are becoming an increasing focus due to rising demand from swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.

To receive official bathing water status, locations must meet strict criteria, including evidence of regular public use and access to nearby facilities such as toilets. Once designated, water quality is regularly tested by the Environment Agency, with results published online for public access.

Despite the expansion of monitored sites, environmental campaigners argue that the latest findings expose the worsening state of England’s rivers. Critics have accused water companies and regulators of failing to invest adequately in sewage infrastructure while pollution incidents continue to rise.

Public concern over river pollution has intensified in recent years following repeated reports of sewage spills into waterways across the country. Campaign groups say the issue has become both an environmental and public health crisis, warning that contaminated water can expose swimmers to illnesses ranging from stomach infections to skin and respiratory diseases.

Water quality at coastal bathing sites remains significantly better than at inland rivers, according to official testing data. However, campaigners warn that without major investment and stronger environmental enforcement, pollution in England’s rivers is likely to remain a serious concern.

The addition of new monitored river bathing sites, including the River Thames in London, reflects growing pressure on authorities to improve access to safe, clean waterways. For now, though, warning signs at many of England’s rivers serve as a reminder of the challenges facing the country’s freshwater environment.