Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Government information on UK environmental regulation, water quality policy and river health.
DAERA: About bathing waters
How bathing water quality is tested in Northern Ireland, including sampling for faecal indicator bacteria and visual assessments for pollution.
Designation of bathing waters: application form
A downloadable form to submit a site for consideration for bathing water designation in Wales.
The Quality of Bathing Water (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013
A regulation amending the Quality of Bathing Water Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 to align with EU standards.
The Bathing Water Regulations 2013
Standards for water quality at designated bathing sites, including monitoring and classification based on E. coli and intestinal enterococci levels.
Find a bathing water: Natural Resources Wales
A searchable directory of designated bathing waters in Wales, providing water quality assessments, pollution forecasts, and site-specific information.
Designating bathing waters in Wales: guidance note
A set of questions to help you decide whether to apply for a bathing water designation in Wales.
DAERA: Northern Ireland’s existing bathing waters
Detailed profiles for each of Northern Ireland's designated bathing waters, including physical characteristics and pollution risk assessments.
The Bathing Waters (Scotland) Regulations 2008
A regulation establishing requirements for bathing water quality in Scotland, including monitoring, classification, signage, and public information.
List of Scotland’s current bathing water profiles
A searchable directory of Scotland’s designated bathing waters, providing current water quality classifications and sample results.
