Testing the waters: reducing health risks from water pollution

This report examines the interventions available to reduce the public health risks associated with using open waters for recreation that may be polluted with faecal organisms from human waste in sewage.

It outlines 15 recommendations for water service providers, UK government, devolved administrations and public bodies to reduce public health risks posed by polluted water. The report’s findings are based on risk-based assessments and consultations with more than 100 engineers, wastewater experts, the water industry, campaign organisations and policymakers.

It focuses on the role of wastewater infrastructure in introducing primarily human faecal organisms into open water through storm overflows and treated wastewater. However, it does not look at agricultural runoff from livestock, wild animals, or septic tanks.