The Water Minister has announced today, 10 March, that Sykes Lane Bathing Beach and Whitwell Creek at Rutland Water are being considered to become a designated bathing water site and benefit from regular water quality monitoring from this Spring. 

The sites at Rutland Water make up two out of the four chosen sites from across the country and will now progress to national consultation which launches today. 

Bathing water status provides sites with regular monitoring by the Environment Agency, driving improvement of water quality to protect the health of bathers. 

If the sites are designated, the Environment Agency will regularly take samples during the bathing season - which runs between 15 May and 30 September. Bathing waters are classified annually as Excellent, Good, Sufficient or Poor, based on an assessment of the water quality, with the information published on the Environment Agency's Swimfo site. 

Monitoring is carried out where the greatest number of bathers go into the water, allowing the Environment Agency to assess whether action is needed to cut pollution levels, and then to work with local communities, farmers and water companies to improve water quality at these sites to protect the health of bathers. 

If these sites are designated it will take the total number of bathing water sites nationwide to its highest ever.

Other sports take place in and around the water, such as cycling, and events at the Aqua Park. Image credit: Nub News

Over the last decade, the Government has also been focusing on improving bathing water quality: since 2010, the proportion of bathing waters assessed as 'good' or 'excellent' has increased from 76% to 93%. Meanwhile, 72% are considered 'excellent' - up from just 51% in 2010. This is the highest level ever, despite the classification standards for bathing waters having been made more stringent in 2015.

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton said: "This is fantastic news for Rutland Water, a hugely popular swimming site amongst many members of our community. 

"It is vital that we ensure better quality waters to preserve our beautiful Reservoir for many years to come and provide a healthier swimming environment for all. 

"I very much look forward to seeing the results of the national consultation." 

Rebecca Pow MP, Environment Minister said: "England's bathing water sites are an important part of how we safeguard our precious coastal waters, rivers and lakes, as well as protecting the health of bathers. 

"The actions we have taken mean that people across the country will be able to swim at more sites and in better quality water, but we know there is more to do. 

"I would strongly encourage all residents and bathers to take part in these consultations to help make sure we continue to have cleaner and healthier waters both now and for future generations." 

When selecting new sites, Defra considers how many people bathe there, if the site has suitable infrastructure and facilities, such as toilets, and where investment in water quality improvements following designation would have the most impact. 

All applications are assessed against these factors and only those that meet these factors are taken forward to public consultation.