The Environment Agency has published the results of a small research project aimed at identifying potential ways to optimise existing communication channels, and to highlight additional opportunities for disseminating bathing water quality information, drawing on behavioural insights.

The research identified some factors that may contribute to low levels of engagement with bathing water-quality information, including a lack of awareness and understanding of water quality. The research also generated hypotheses for individual and situational differences that may impact how bathing water quality information is received, including individual factors like risk appetites and the social context of a bathing trip.

Eight key principles of effective risk communication were identified in the research, suggesting bathing water quality information needs to be easy to access, timely, good quality, easy to interpret, actionable, relevant to users, consistent and delivered by the best messenger.

Photo credit: Mike Bird

Government welcomes OEP bathing water review

Meanwhile, the government has welcomed the Office for Environmental Protection’s (OEP) review of the implementation of the current Bathing Water Regulations 2013 in England. The government said that the OEP recommendations are aligned with the government’s proposed reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013. The OEP published its review in November 2024.