Four locations in the Lake District are being considered to become official bathing waters – meaning they will be monitored during the 2024 season.
Defra said three sites at Coniston Water – the Boating Centre, Coniston Brown Howe and Monk Coniston – and Crow Park at Derwentwater were among 27 new swimming spots being considered.
The proposals are subject to a two-week consultation and if designated, will receive regular water monitoring from the Environment Agency, which will investigate pollution sources and identify steps to be taken in response, which could include actions by water companies, farmers and others.
People, businesses, and organisations are invited to have their say before the consultation closes on March 10.
Water Minister Robbie Moore said: “I want to continue to improve the quality of our bathing waters, which is why we are taking action across the board to drive up standards and hold water companies to account.
“I encourage all local communities and organisations with an interest to take part in this consultation and have their say.”
Last year, 96% of bathing waters in England met minimum standards and 90% of bathing waters in England were rated as good or excellent, up from 76% in 2010, despite the classification standards becoming stricter in 2015.
