Bathing water quality
What the official water-quality classifications mean for open-water swimmers.
Designated bathing waters are tested each season (roughly May–September) and graded Excellent, Good, Sufficient or Poor.
Who measures it
- England — Environment Agency
- Scotland — SEPA
- Wales — Natural Resources Wales
- Northern Ireland — DAERA
Important
Most indoor and outdoor pools are not designated bathing waters — their water is managed to leisure-centre standards instead. We only show official classifications where they exist.