News
Proposed Designated Bathing Water Site for Lostwithiel
Friday 13th February 2026
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has proposed the section of River Fowey in Lostwithiel by the the Medieval Bridge as one of 13 new designated bathing water sites across England. The proposal for designation was prepared by Lostwithiel Environmental Action Forum (LEAF) The area is is currently under a six-week public consultation to determine its official designation as a bathing spot.
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If designated, the site will be regularly tested for water quality by the Environment Agency during the bathing season (15 May to 30 September). This aims to provide the local community and visitors with greater confidence in using the river for swimming and recreation.
The easiest way to respond to the Public Consultation, which is is open until March 23, 2026,.is via an on-line questionnaire
If you are completing the questionnaire or submitting evidence, the following specific details regarding the Lostwithiel proposal are relevant:
1. Site Description & Usage
• Location: The proposed area is a scenic tidal stretch of the River Fowey flowing through the heart of Lostwithiel.
• Current Use: It is already a popular spot for local swimmers and river users, which is a key criterion for designation (the Secretary of State looks for evidence that a "large number of people" already bathe there).
• Infrastructure: The consultation considers existing facilities. In Lostwithiel, this includes the proximity to the town centre, public parks/riverbanks, and existing access points used by the community.
2. Key Objectives of the Designation
When answering the questionnaire, you may wish to reference these goals as they apply to Lostwithiel:
• Health Protection: Designation would mandate the Environment Agency to monitor for E. coli and intestinal enterococci between May 15 and September 30.
• Pollution Investigation: If water quality is found to be "Poor," the Environment Agency is legally required to investigate sources (such as combined sewer overflows or agricultural run-off) and identify remedial measures.
• Local Economy: Defra notes that designation can boost tourism and support the local economy by providing "confidence" to visitors.
3. How to Provide Evidence
The consultation specifically asks for additional evidence beyond what Defra has already collected. Useful information to include in your response for Lostwithiel would be:
• Frequency of Use: Observations on how many people use the river for swimming, paddling, or rowing, especially during the summer.
• User Groups: Mentioning specific local groups (e.g., swimming clubs, youth groups) that utilise the water.
• Local Pride/Value: Personal or community testimony regarding the river's importance as a "blue space" for mental and physical wellbeing.
4, How to Respond
• Online Survey: Defra Consultation Portal
• By Email: bathingwater@defra.gov.uk
• By Post: > Bathing Waters Team, Defra, 2 Marsham Street, Ground Floor, Seacole Building, London, SW1P 4DF
Deadline: Ensure your response is submitted by Monday, 23 March 2026.
The government will confirm whether the site will be officially designated in time for the 2026 bathing water season.
BBC Coverage
Our local councillor Sarah Preece and LEAF's Didi Aben. were interviewed about the topic on BBC Radio Cornwall's Julie Skentlebery programme on 20th February 2026. The interview is available via this link
More information via these websites
Lostwithiel Environmental Action Forum (LEAF) Facebook Page
Guidance on responding to the consultation from Surfers Against Sewage
