The River Severn in Shrewsbury and Ironbridge, along with the River Teme in Ludlow, have been named among areas with the worst water quality in England, according to a new study by the Environment Agency (EA). These Shropshire towns, popular with families from the region and beyond, now face a major issue affecting their scenic rivers.
Bathing sites rated poor
The EA annually assesses the water quality of officially designated bathing spots across England. This year, the three Midlands locations received a "poor" rating, meaning they are among the worst for safe water entry. The study found that around one in every 14 bathing sites in England has poor quality water.
Across the country, 66% of bathing sites are rated excellent, 21% good, 6% sufficient, and 7% poor. That leaves a total of 32 bathing spots with the worst possible water quality rating, including the River Severn in Shrewsbury and Ironbridge, and the River Teme in Ludlow.
Wider pollution concerns
The findings are part of a wider, damning study that revealed all bodies of water in England are polluted with toxic chemicals. The three Shropshire towns, known for their picturesque settings with the River Severn winding through Shrewsbury and Ironbridge, are now blighted by this unfortunate development.
The poor water quality ratings affect areas designated as bathing spots, where people are expected to safely enter the water. This is a significant setback for these scenic locations, which are adored by families in the Midlands and beyond.
