Thames could get its first official swimming spot, but safety is unclear

The government has proposed designating a stretch of the Thames at Ham and Kingston as the river's first official bathing site, part of 13 new sites; sewage and other pollution mean the river still misses some legal water-quality targets.

Authorities have proposed that the Thames stretch through Ham and Kingston become the river's first official bathing site. The designation is one of 13 new bathing sites put forward by the Government. The Thames was declared biologically dead in the 1950s and still does not meet some legal water-quality targets. Sewage discharge, road and agricultural runoff, microplastics and tests showing the water is often too alkaline have been reported as ongoing issues. What is known: - The proposed site is the section of the Thames through Ham and Kingston. - The proposal is part of 13 new designated bathing sites announced by the Government. - The Thames was reported as biologically dead in the 1950s and has long struggled with pollution. - Sewage pollution was reported as 14.2 billion litres dumped into the river in 2023. - Water testing has found the river can be too alkaline for healthy wildlife, and microplastics and runoff are present. - Designated bathing sites are subject to more water-quality testing; last year 32 out of 464 monitored sites failed to meet minimum standards. Summary: Designating a Thames bathing site would bring more regular testing and greater public visibility of local water quality, which campaigners say could increase pressure for clean-up efforts. Undetermined at this time.