As many of us relax post-Christmas, thousands will demonstrate bravery by taking a dip in icy seas and rivers for the traditional Boxing Day swim.

During my travels to various water bodies across the country, I have consistently been reminded of the challenges we face with our water quality. However, the government remains committed to implementing significant reforms to establish a trustworthy system. Recent findings from the Environment Agency indicate that 93% of bathing waters now meet swimming standards, showing a positive improvement from the previous year.

In Nottingham, I spoke with regular swimmers who brave the cold year-round, even breaking through ice in winter. Efforts are underway to update outdated bathing water monitoring regulations to better accommodate when and how people swim. The Water (Special Measures) Act, enacted in February, introduced stringent enforcement measures, including criminal penalties for water executives concealing illegal sewage discharges and the authority to prohibit unfair bonuses, preventing £4 million in bonuses for ten water executives.

Plans are advancing to impose automatic fines on water companies to ensure swift and unavoidable consequences for misconduct. The Environment Agency’s water regulation budget has been increased to £189 million for 2025/26, the highest amount ever allocated, with a target of conducting 10,000 inspections in that period, a significant rise from previous years. Additionally, a record number of 87 investigations have been launched into water companies.

This summer, minimum compensation rates were doubled, and compensation for boil notices was introduced for the first time, aiming to protect customers and businesses in cases of service failures like the recent disruption in Tunbridge Wells.

The government’s objective is clear: to enable people to swim and enjoy water activities in their local areas with confidence. A substantial £104 billion has been secured for crucial infrastructure upgrades over the next five years. The forthcoming Water White Paper, set to be released in the New Year, will outline a long-term reform strategy, including the establishment of a new unified water regulator. Progress is evident, and the momentum for change is building, but there is still more work to be done.