From remote lochs to wild coastlines, Scotland is rich in blue spaces. And its water is a source of national pride, for good reason.

But below the surface, many of Scotland’s wild waters could be facing serious pollution threats. Less than half of Scotland’s rivers meet “good” Ecological Status (49%). And in 2024, Scottish Water recorded 23,498 sewage discharges – totalling 208,377 hours. That’s the equivalent of one sewage pipe discharging continuously for 23.7 years.

However, the true threat to Scotland’s waterways is unknown. We simply don’t have the data. Despite Scottish Water having a public map of sewage spills, you can only access real-time alerts from a fraction of their overflows. Currently, about 27% of their total network is monitored. Not to mention pollution from diffuse sources, such as urban or agricultural run-off.

With just 89 bathing waters – only three of which are inland – many much-loved swim spots go completely unmonitored, with no official data on water quality and no accountability for pollution.

You can change that, by demanding designation for your waterways.

Who can apply?

Anyone! Individuals, swim groups, community organisations, local or community councils, campaigners – anyone who wants to protect their wild waters.

What’s the criteria?

To be suitable for designation, a site must fit the following criteria:

1. A large number of people is expected to bathe there
2. No permanent advice against bathing has been introduced

A ‘large’ number is generally considered by Scottish government to be 150 people per day using the water for bathing – that’s swimming, or with intention to swim. No other water users can be counted. However, ministers have discretion over what a ‘large’ number is, so may designate a site with fewer bathers.

When to apply?

What happens next?

If successful, your site will be officially monitored by SEPA from 1 June to 15 September each year, which is the official bathing season in Scotland. That data is made available to you weekly. At the end of the season, you’ll get a bathing water classification of Excellent, Good, Sufficient or Poor.

Under the Bathing Water (Scotland) Regulations 2008, if your site gets a ‘Poor’ water quality classification, SEPA must:

• Investigate, reduce or eliminate causes of pollution
• Take management measures to reduce health risks
• Notify the local authority or site controller and require public advice against bathing
• Display warnings on site where necessary

Short term pollution, such as sewage spills or agricultural runoff, must also be addressed:

• SEPA must outline risks, frequency, duration, and response procedures in a public profile for the site
• They must notify the local authority or controller as soon as an event is predicted or detected
• Additional samples are taken after the incident to confirm water safety before resuming classification data

Local authorities and landowners also have responsibilities. These include displaying accessible signage and maintaining infrastructure, removing physical pollution if the site is local authority-controlled, and contacting SEPA to protect public health if risks are identified.