98% of Welsh Bathing Waters Meet Strict Environmental Standards
98% of Welsh Bathing Waters Meet Strict Environmental Standards
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Almost all of Wales’s designated bathing waters met stringent environmental standards this year, according to new figures released by the Welsh Government.
The 2025 classifications, based on monitoring by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) between May and September, show that 98% of sites were compliant.
Of the 112 bathing waters assessed, 78 achieved ‘excellent’ status—three more than in 2024, while 26 were rated ‘good’ and six ‘satisfactory’.
Deputy First Minister and Climate Change lead, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, welcomed the results.
He said: “Our commitment to protecting water quality is clear. I’d like to thank our communities and all partners for working together towards a cleaner, safer Wales.
“I’m particularly encouraged by a standout performance from one of our newly designated sites, Llanishen Reservoir in Cardiff, which has achieved ‘excellent’ status in its first year– a remarkable achievement.”
NRW said the classifications reflect strong collaboration between regulators, communities and environmental groups.
Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resource Management at NRW, said bathing waters remain central to Wales’s environmental and cultural identity.
She said: “Our wonderful beaches and bathing waters are an important part of Wales’s identity and culture. They are home to rare and unique species, provide spaces to unwind and connect with others and help local economies to thrive.
“In the midst of climate and nature emergencies, maintaining the high standard of our bathing waters is an increasing challenge. But the results reflect the dedication of our teams, partners, environmental groups and communities who protect and care for our environment.
“As Wales’s environmental regulator, we are working hard to reduce pollution at its source, enforce against those who harm our waters and collaborate with partners on solutions.
“We continue to drive action and investment from all sectors to secure sustained, long-term improvements for nature and people, and the future of Welsh waters.”
This year’s results were influenced by unusually wet weather, with September bringing 170% of the average rainfall, something officials say remains a challenge for water quality management.
Irranca-Davies said further progress relies on long-term reform.
He added: “As we continue to face the effects of climate change, maintaining and improving our bathing water standards requires sustained investment, innovation, and partnership working across all sectors.
“Last month, I outlined plans to fundamentally reform the way water is managed, regulated and delivered in Wales.
“This really is a golden opportunity to create a better system that puts people, the environment and future generations at its heart.”
The Welsh Government said it will continue working with partners to improve water quality across the country.
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