Andrew Jones MP, working with Nidd Action Group and local volunteers, is applying for Bathing Water Designation on the River Nidd for the stretch of water at the Lido Leisure Park highlighted on the map below:

This is already a popular site for swimmers, paddlers, walkers and holiday goers.  Even in the winter months local wild swimming groups use the site. 

It is because this is already a popular site that many think it is a good idea to attain bathing water status. This will ensure everyone at the site is informed of the ecological status of the river and plans are made by the Environment Agency to maintain better water quality.

Bathing water designation creates waterways where the water quality is regularly monitored for its effect on human health and legal obligations are put on polluters to address the issue. Bathing water designation shines a light on polluters and ensures action is taken to improve water quality.

Once a waterway is designated as a bathing water the Environment Agency are obliged to test the water quality throughout the bathing season (15 May - 30 September) and then categorise the bathing water annually at the end of the season as ‘Excellent’, ‘Good’, ‘Sufficient’ or ‘Poor’. The local authority must display information at the site to inform the public on the water quality during the bathing season. This allows the public to make an informed decision on whether they use the water.

Government agencies are obliged to investigate the sources of pollution and take measures to improve the water quality if the bathing site receives a 'Poor' or 'Sufficient' classification. 

The creation of over 600 coastal bathing waters around the UK has led to 98 per cent of these beaches meeting minimum water quality standards, up from just 27 per cent in the 1990s.