Representing a coalition of governing bodies, including British Rowing, Paddle UK, Swim England, the RYA and British Triathlon, the Alliance met MPs to scrutinise the Government’s Water Reform White Paper and press for stronger protections for the UK’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

A Public Health Issue, Not Just an Environmental One

For the CWSA, water quality is not a niche environmental concern. It is a frontline public health issue affecting millions who row, swim, paddle, sail and compete in open water.

Historically, UK regulation has prioritised drinking water standards, while protections for recreational users have remained fragmented. The Alliance argues that this imbalance no longer reflects participation trends or public expectation.

The drop-in session attracted cross-party attendance, reinforcing that clean water transcends political divides. MPs from the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat benches engaged directly with sport representatives to examine how the upcoming legislation could better reflect the needs of recreational users.

From “Bathing Waters” to “Recreation Waters”

Central to the Alliance’s message is the need to modernise the regulatory framework. Current policy largely centres on designated “bathing waters”, leaving many inland and coastal recreational sites without equivalent safeguards.

The CWSA is calling for a broader “recreation waters” approach that recognises the diversity of water-based sport and leisure activity across the UK.

Key recommendations presented to MPs included:

• Establishing a clear public health objective covering recreational water risks, not solely drinking water.
• Publishing accessible monitoring and compliance data so participants can make informed decisions.
• Strengthening regulatory targets through consolidation across environmental and public health regimes.
• Ensuring independent regional water planning that embeds health considerations.
• Increasing long-term funding and enforcement powers.
• Upgrading wastewater treatment infrastructure in high-use recreational areas.

Together, these proposals aim to shift water governance from reactive pollution management towards preventative, health-focused policy.

A “Once in a Lifetime” Legislative Window

There was a strong sense of urgency around the session. For sustainability leaders within sport, the Water Reform Bill represents a rare opportunity to embed structural change.

Rachel Dulai, Sustainability Lead at British Rowing, emphasised the importance of early engagement:

“British Rowing was delighted to welcome so many MPs representing rowing club boroughs at the MP drop-in session regarding the Water Reform White Paper. Working with our Clean Water Sports Alliance colleagues, this was an opportunity to try to ensure that the recreational sector has a voice whilst details that will shape the Water Reform Bill are being drafted.”

She added:

“This is a once in a lifetime chance to help protect our waters and we will continue this dialogue with MPs in the coming months.”

As the Bill progresses through Parliament, the Clean Water Sports Alliance has made clear that it intends to remain closely engaged — advocating for legislation that secures clean and healthy blue spaces for communities, athletes and future generations alike.