River Avon at Fordingbridge sits in New Forest, South East as a designated inland river bathing water featuring a riverbank setting. Bathing water monitoring across the season yields an official annual rating of Poor for the site. Formally designated in 2024, it remains an important bathing destination for residents and visitors alike.
Sediment type has not yet been recorded for this site. Underfoot conditions and bank composition may vary.
Water quality regularly fails to meet safe bathing standards. Swimmers face an elevated risk of stomach infections or skin rashes due to high bacterial loads.
This bathing water is generally resilient and has a low risk of quality degradation after heavy summer storm events.
Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.
Monitored as an inland river bathing water. River sites are heavily influenced by upstream rainfall, agricultural runoff, and storm overflows, with water flow changing quickly after rain.
Wessex Water Services Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.
Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 2024. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.
Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the New Forest area.