Home / Environment / Salisbury Groups Seek Bathing Water Status to Monitor River Avon
Salisbury Groups Seek Bathing Water Status to Monitor River Avon
8 Oct
Summary
- Groups apply for bathing water status at Queen Elizabeth Gardens
- Designation would force Environment Agency to monitor water quality
- Aim is to use "as a stick" to address pollution from water companies
As of October 8th, 2025, environmental groups in Salisbury have submitted an application for official bathing water status at Queen Elizabeth Gardens. The groups involved include FLOW CIC, Extinction Rebellion Salisbury, and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
If granted, this designation would force the Environment Agency to regularly monitor the water quality of the River Avon that runs through the park. Di Cross from Extinction Rebellion Salisbury explains that this could then be used "as a stick" to compel water companies to address any pollution that reaches unacceptable levels.
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that if the site is officially designated, the Environment Agency will be required to closely monitor the water quality to protect the health of people using the area for bathing. This represents a significant step forward in the local community's efforts to improve the environmental conditions of the River Avon.
