Local campaigners and MP celebrate as River Dee officially designated as a Bathing Water

The Sandy Lane stretch of the River Dee has been officially designated as a Bathing Water, following a successful application by local community group the Clean Dee Campaign.

The campaign is supported by the local council and the Member of Parliament for Chester North and Neston, Samantha Dixon.

The decision means the site will now be formally monitored for water quality by the Environment Agency during the bathing season (normally 15th May – 30th September), providing clear public information and stronger protection for swimmers, paddlers, and other water users.

This designation marks an important milestone after years of community-led work to demonstrate how widely the water is used and why formal protection is needed. A previous bid submitted in 2023 was unsuccessful, as it failed to meet the required threshold for recorded bathers after the criteria were changed halfway through the application process.

Local campaign group the Clean Dee Campaign, has worked alongside community groups including local residents, Chester Frosties, Chester Triathlon Club, canoeing and kayaking clubs, environmental groups, and other local river users to gather evidence, demonstrate strong community use, and build a robust case for designation, an effort now successfully recognised.

Earlier this year, a public consultation gauged local support, with residents and river users strongly backing Bathing Water status. This consultation formed part of the application accepted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for a full public review.

The Sandy Lane stretch of the River Dee is a cherished local spot for open -water swimming and recreation.

Bathing Water Status will bring:

•            Regular, independent water quality testing

•            Published results to inform the public about water quality

•            A legal framework for identifying and addressing sources of pollution

Dianne Parrish and Emma Sharpe of the Clean Dee Campaign said:

“At a time when improving water quality across our rivers, lakes and seas remains a major priority, receiving bathing water status marks an important milestone. Regular monitoring at designated bathing water sites will provide clearer public information, stronger protection for both people and wildlife, and a more transparent pathway for improving and maintaining water quality over the long term.

“This stretch of water is already enjoyed by many local people, and we hope the new bathing water designation will encourage even more residents and visitors to take part in leisure and sporting activities, as well as supporting the health of the river”

Local MP Samantha Dixon, who has prioritised improving the health of the River Dee and Dee Estuary since her election, welcomed the designation:

"This is fantastic news. The River Dee is one of our greatest natural treasures, supporting wildlife, recreation, and wellbeing. Bathing Water designation is a major leap forward, it means regular water testing, transparency, and the power to tackle pollution head-on.

"The Clean Dee Campaign and our local river users have shown what community determination can achieve and I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks for all their work on this fantastic achievement. I’ve seen this spirit at our Dee Summits, where residents, environmental groups, and stakeholders come together to drive real change.

"This milestone isn’t just about monitoring water, it’s about celebrating a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant River Dee for everyone."

The Dee Summit is a regular gathering convened by Samantha to unite local environmentalists, residents, and stakeholders in the fight to stop sewage dumping, improve water quality, and protect the river’s unique biodiversity.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, commented:

““This is wonderful news for our community. The Sandy Lane stretch of the River Dee is a special place for so many people, and its designation as a Bathing Water is a real celebration of the care and commitment shown by local residents and groups. This milestone means safer, cleaner water for everyone to enjoy, while also helping to protect the wildlife and natural beauty that make our river so cherished. It’s a real triumph for the community and a brighter future for the River Dee”

Community representatives emphasise that designation is about transparency and long-term improvement, not a claim that the water is already perfect

This is a win for the local community, river users, wildlife, local environment and all those who care about the River Dee.

Bathing Water Status is awarded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra):

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/13-new-bathing-sites-open-across-england-helping-communities-and-waterways

Pictured - Member of Parliament for Chester North and Neston, Samantha Dixon.