MPs hail breakthrough as government agrees to reform bathing water season
Dorset’s Labour MPs say they’ve made huge progress in their campaign to clean up local beaches and rivers
Dorset’s Labour MPs have welcomed a government clampdown on bathing water regulations after pressing ministers to overhaul how coastal water quality is monitored.
The move follows a meeting last month between Dorset MPs Lloyd Hatton, Tom Hayes, Jessica Toale and Neil Duncan-Jordan and the Minister for Water and Flooding.
The MPs urged the government to take tougher action on pollution and to modernise England’s outdated bathing water system, which currently fixes the testing season between May and September regardless of local conditions.
Their proposals included year-round water quality testing, real-time public data and a broader definition of who counts as a water user
In a joint statement, the MPs said the announcement “puts power in the hands of local people” and marks a “vital step” towards keeping Dorset’s coastline safe.
For people across the county, where open-water swimming and participation in water sports has surged, the fixed season has long been criticised as failing to reflect how people actually use the coast all year-round.
The area has also faced repeated concerns about sewage discharges in local rivers and beaches, prompting pressure from campaign groups like Surfers Against Sewage, River Lim Action and the Bluetits.
The plan now is to loosen the rigid national dates and allow site-specific bathing seasons, meaning coastal areas across Dorset could see extended or more tailored testing periods.
Officials say the new system will be developed with input from water users and set out in published guidance later this year.
Dorset’s MPs added that they will continue working with ministers and campaigners to achieve stronger protections county-wide.