Water quality at Wallingford Beach improves in second bathing season
Wallingford Beach, which gained official bathing water status in May 2024, has been rated “Sufficient” for its second designated season – an improvement on last year’s “Poor” rating, according to environmental charity Thames21.
Since the site was designated, the Environment Agency has carried out weekly tests for the two key bacteria harmful to human health—E. coli and Intestinal Enterococci—throughout each bathing water season from May to September. The overall bathing water status now reflects combined monitoring results from both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, assessed against the thresholds set out in the Bathing Water Regulations (2013).
Sampling dates that saw higher levels of bacteria were mostly preceded by rainfall, suggesting that bacteria levels at this site are generally within the safe threshold in periods of dry weather. This trend was also seen in the 2024 season, which saw predominantly good water quality, exclusive of two small spikes in bacteria preceded by heavier rainfall.
Monitoring shows that higher bacteria readings tended to follow periods of rainfall, indicating that levels at Wallingford Beach generally remain within safe limits during dry weather. A similar pattern was recorded in 2024, when water quality was mostly strong apart from two brief spikes linked to heavier rain.
The site’s designated status has triggered wide-ranging investigations by both Thames Water and the Environment Agency to pinpoint sources of pollution upstream of Wallingford Beach. The beach is one of just 16 river bathing waters in England, and this season only one other inland site achieved a rating of “Sufficient” or better. Designation not only guarantees routine water-quality testing but also requires water companies to upgrade infrastructure if it is found to be contributing to pollution.
Similar river designations at Ilkley and Wolvercote Mill Stream have already accelerated improvements at upstream sewage works, with Yorkshire Water building a new sewer and expanding wastewater storage on the Wharfe, and Thames Water adding UV treatment at Oxford sewage treatment works.
Aggie Hodges, Bathing Water Development Officer for Thames21, said: “It’s great news for both people and wildlife that Wallingford Beach has achieved ‘Sufficient’ bathing water status this season. With only one other inland river site rated above ‘Poor’ this year, the result highlights the significant challenges facing England’s rivers and the importance of this progress on the Thames at Wallingford. We hope to see further improvements in water quality and for Wallingford to demonstrate that healthy rivers are within reach.”
ENDS
Notes for editors
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bathing-waters-in-england-compliance-reports/bathing-water-classifications-2025
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1675/contents/made
- https://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/help-understanding-data.html
- https://www.thames21.org.uk/2024/05/wallingford-beach-gets-green-light-to-become-the-second-designated-bathing-site-along-the-thames/
- https://oxfordrivers.ceh.ac.uk/portal
About Thames21
Thames21 connects people with rivers by putting healthy rivers back at the heart of everyday life. We improve and restore rivers, educate and empower the community and campaign for positive change for the good of people and the environment.
www.thames21.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1103997
Media Contacts
Liz Gyekye
Communications Manager
07597584349
Aggie Hodges
Bathing Water Development Officer
07568 225 704