An application is made to your regional government agency depending on the location of your bathing site:

England
Apply to the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

Northern Ireland
Apply to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

Scotland
Apply to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

Wales
Apply to the Welsh Government

The application process does differ across regions but there are common requirements of the process. Depending on which agency you are applying to the application may take the shape of an application form, a nomination process or an email including the required evidence. Check the government agency website for your region to get further information on their specific process including the application deadline.

The common evidence requirements are:

• Confirmation that the landowner supports the bathing water application
• Confirmation that the local authority supports the bathing water application
• Counts of water users during bathing season
• Describe the facilities that are close to the bathing location
• Consult with your local community to get their views

If your bathing site is designated the following government agencies will be responsible for testing water quality during the bathing season:

• England – Environment Agency (EA)
• Northern Ireland – Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
• Scotland – Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
• Wales – Natural Resources Wales (NRW)

The following timeline gives an idea of the overall application process and when you can expect to have specific conversations and carry out specific tasks.