CRKC Position Statement – Bathing Water Status for the River Kent

In 2022 CRKC applied for bathing status on a section of the river Kent in Staveley. Our aim was to ensure regular water quality monitoring by the Environment Agency through the bathing season, and as a driver to reduce pollution discharges into the river. The application was rejected due to not meeting the requirements for minimum bather numbers.

CRKC has since campaigned for changes to the guidelines determining a ‘bathing site’, asking for consideration of how upland rivers are used by a wide range of recreational users. Until such changes can be made, CRKC has decided not to actively pursue another bathing status application.

CRKC continues to monitor discussions around further changes to the bathing water guidelines and will review opportunities for a future application(s) along the river Kent, keeping the topic on our agenda including any potential environmental impacts which may arise.