Lloyd Hatton, Labour MP for South Dorset, will today ask the Prime Minister to support his campaign to introduce all-year-round water quality testing for bathing sites.
At present, designated bathing sites are only tested during the bathing season from the 15 May to 30 September. Outside of this period, water users are reliant on local citizen testing groups and national charities to test the water quality.
Today, Mr Hatton will ask the Prime Minister at Prime Minister’s Questions to work with him to introduce all-year-round testing. Sharing his concerns, Lloyd said: “Without effective testing at all our bathing sites, we are putting at risk the health of all water users. Meaning many will be unaware of possible pollution and sewage spills.”
Speaking on the question, Mr Hatton commented: “I am continuing my campaign to stop disgusting sewage spills and clean up our rivers and cherished Jurassic Coast. We should not have to rely on the goodwill of local people to test water quality at popular sites where we love to swim, row, sail, paddleboard, surf or even just walk the dog. It is high time that regulators stepped in with all-year-round testing to create a more accurate picture of the water quality.”
Mr Hatton’s question to the Prime Minister follows on from his visit (photos attached) to Durdle Door last Friday, where he was joined by fellow Dorset Labour MPs Jessica Toale, Tom Hayes and Neil Duncan-Jordan. During the visit, all four MPs carried out a water test and praised the ongoing work of local citizen science groups who often step in to monitor water quality outside the official bathing season.
Alongside neighbouring parliamentarians, Mr Hatton will now continue his campaign to improve water quality testing in South Dorset and nationwide.
