With a majority of 84 %, the Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife resolution passes at the 2023 NFWI Annual Meeting.

Now we are urging all members to get involved in the campaign to clean up our rivers. Our new campaign will be encouraging members to make and support applications to create bathing waters in rivers across England and Wales as a way to drive the cleanup of our precious waters.

Bathing water designation can play a key role in tackling pollution as it means that water must be tested for the bacteria that causes illness during the bathing season, and because water companies have an obligation to tackle pollution in these locations.

How you can get involved

1. Find out more information about how to apply for inland bathing water by using the Surfers Against Sewage’s ‘Wild Water’ website.

Sign the Surfers Against Sewage petition here

The website contains a useful nine-step guide that provides guidance about applying for a designated bathing water. You can also access the Surfers Against Sewage community bathing waters toolkit here.

2. Save the date: Take part in the WI’s Week of River Action

Make a splash for clean rivers in your community by taking part in the WI’s Week of River Action from 11-18 September!

We will be asking WIs to join with local groups in your area campaigning for clean rivers to sound the alarm about the ecological state of the UK’s rivers.

Further details, including resource packs, are to be announced closer to the date. To register your interest in the WI’s Week of River Action, email the NFWI Public Affairs team on pa@nfwi.org.uk

3. Find out about sewage pollution in rivers in our area

You can find out about the location of combined sewage outflows (CSOs) in our area by looking at the Rivers Trust Sewage Map.

Did you know that in 2022:

The Brockenhurst sewer storm overflow spilled 58 times for a total of 482.95 hours , discharging into the Lymington River.

In 2022, the Boldre sewer storm overflow spilled spilled 26 times for a total of 342.70 hours , discharging into the Lymington River.

The Flexford Lane Sway sewer storm overflow spilled 14 times for a total of 105.00 hours , discharging into the Avon Water.

The Lymington High Street sewer storm overflow spilled 31 times for a total of 48.22 hours , discharging into the Lymington River.

Further resources

• Watch: NFWI Resolution Webinar, 12 April 2023
  • Kirsty Davies, Community Bathing Water Officer at Surfers Against Sewage, spoke ahead of the 2023 Annual Meeting about Inland Bathing Water Designation.
• House of Lords Library – Sewage Pollution in England’s Waters
• River Action UK
• The Rivers Trust
• Find out more about the issue and how bathing waters can help drive the cleanup of rivers by reading our resolution briefing notes