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Written question asked by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 17 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 November 2025 (named day). It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Monday, 24 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Lake Windermere: Pollution Control

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to allocate funding to ensure that bathing-water sampling in Lake Windermere takes place year-round rather than seasonally.

Answer

On 28 October 2025, the Department laid before Parliament a Statutory Instrument which incorporates reforms to modernise the Bathing Water Regulations. Core reform 3, which is due to come into force 21 November, introduces discretion to determine a different bathing season for a site where appropriate, allowing more flexible, locally tailored bathing seasons that reflect when people use the site.

We are working with the Environment Agency (EA) on a pre-implementation research project which will consult with stakeholders to ensure we have considered all the relevant factors. The outcome of this project will be set out in public guidance that will be published in due course.

Currently, the EA samples regularly throughout the season and this will continue with any bathing site extensions under core reform 3. This data is published regularly on the EA’s Swimfo bathing waters website ensuring the public can make an informed decision before entering the water.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
91316
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Pollution control Testing Lake Windermere
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk