Can we make London’s rivers swimmable?

Respond to the London Assembly’s consultation on swimmable rivers

Back in September 2024, the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, announced an ambition to clean up London’s rivers and open up new areas for Londoners to paddle and swim. He committed to “develop a bold plan for swimmable rivers within 10 years”.

The London Assembly Environment Committee, which is tasked with holding the Mayor to account, is now investigating that commitment through a series of meetings with experts, a call for evidence from interested individuals and organisations, and a survey.

The committee wants to know what makes a river swimmable, what improvements are achievable in 10 years, which specific locations should be prioritised for improving water quality and increasing access, and what the Mayor can learn from other national or international examples.

Additionally, the London Assembly is running a survey to explore “how Londoners use rivers and waterways in London and their thoughts about how rivers and waterways could be improved.”
If you live in London or have an interest in making London’s rivers swimmable, please consider responding to the call for evidence and/or completing the survey.

Full details for both can be found here: https://www.london.gov.uk/swimmable-rivers