Wallingford Beach has reached the next stage of its application for designated bathing water status, with DEFRA launching a public consultation on the matter.  

If successful, Wallingford Beach (Sandy Bay) would be among the first handful of inland bathing water designations on England’s rivers.

Designation of the site would result in regular water quality monitoring by the Environment Agency, with an overall classification from “Excellent” to “Poor” displayed on site, allowing swimmers and other river users to make informed choices about safe river use.

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Designation would also put pressure on Thames Water to investigate and address poor water quality to ensure the site meets bathing water standards.

Wallingford Beach is one of 27 sites across England proposed by DEFRA to receive designated bathing water status, with the government department seeking a range of views to support its decision.

The application for Wallingford Beach to become a designated bathing water was submitted by environmental charity Thames21 in October last year and drew fervent support from both Wallingford Town Council and South Oxfordshire District Council.

The consultation closes on Sunday (March 10) and can be completed online here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/water/consultation-on-designation-of-27-sites-as-bathing/consultation/intro/

Citizen science surveys touted by supporters have demonstrated popularity for the spot, with hundreds enjoying the stretch of river on the hottest days of the year.

A public consultation of local swimmers, residents and business-owners also showed 97 per cent in favour of the designation, with many citing the significance of the river in the town’s heritage and landscape.

In 2023, a citizen science programme of water quality monitoring resulted in a “Poor” overall status for bathing water quality, with levels of E.coli approximately 3.6 times the level seen in 2022.

Sarah Thornley, Thames21’s catchment partnership support officer, said: “Everyone deserves healthy, safe rivers, and we hope we can add this popular site to the growing number of England’s inland river bathing waters.”

James Barlow, Wallingford district councillor described DEFRA’s decision to take forward the application as “great news”.

He said: "We hope this will be a driver for improvement to water quality, and as a swimmer myself I am hopeful for a safer, cleaner River Thames.

“Inland blue spaces are crucial for wellbeing and are a great way to connect with nature. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation, demonstrating widespread community support for this well-loved stretch of river.”

Julie Bywater, citizen scientist and local swimmer said: “Being able to swim in clean, safe waters is not just a luxury but a right for all who call this area home.

“It's a testament to the collective effort of residents, authorities, and environmental organizations working together to safeguard this precious resource for generations to come.”

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Wallingford residents Kirra Anderson and Lizzie Wall have already completed the consultation. Ms Anderson said: “Fingers crossed for a success result. Hopefully it may force them to improve the state of the river.”

Ms Wall added: “I definitely think we should be going for bathing status so that they have to record the level of waste going into the water”.