Story perspectives

12 of 14 English rivers rated poor; £60 M cleanup planned

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Warning signs advising against swimming now appear at almost every inland river bathing site in England.
The Environment Agency classified twelve of the fourteen inland river bathing locations as poor and posted swim-advice online.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said six new monitored river sites will boost local tourism and swimmer confidence.
Yorkshire Water launched a £60 million programme to cut sewage discharges into the River Wharfe, which has failed bathing-water tests.

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Story summary

Warning signs advising against swimming now appear at almost every inland river bathing site in England.
The Environment Agency classified twelve of the fourteen inland river bathing locations as poor and posted swim-advice online.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said six new monitored river sites will boost local tourism and swimmer confidence.
Yorkshire Water launched a £60 million programme to cut sewage discharges into the River Wharfe, which has failed bathing-water tests.