Environmental charity Thames21 is calling for clearer targets and more urgent action to clean up popular swimming sites Wolvercote Mill Stream and Wallingford Beach. At the moment, designated bathing water sites are tested for dangerous pollution by the Environment Agency that could make swimmers sick during the bathing season, which runs from May to September. Samples taken by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season help to produce an annual bathing water classification. The charity said it will "continue to work with local councils and the Environment Agency, and pressure Thames Water to tackle this pollution". Thames21 is also calling for more urgent action from the Department for Environment,Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency and water companies to clean up bathing water sites.

Source: The Herald November 26, 2024 15:33 UTC