Water Quality

At Salford Watersports Centre, we pride ourselves on offering a safe and enjoyable environment for all our visitors. One of the key aspects of our commitment to quality is maintaining exceptional water standards in the body of water where we operate. Thanks to years of focused effort and collaboration with leading environmental scientists, the water quality at our centre is among the best in the region.

Our Commitment to Clean Waters

Our main operating area is the inner basins of Salford Quays, a unique and well-maintained water system that is separate from the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Irwell. The inner basins are closed off, ensuring a different and cleaner water quality compared to the surrounding waterways. This cleanliness is the result of years of dedicated effort, including pollution control, habitat restoration, and ongoing monitoring.

The water is owned by Salford City Council, who play a pivotal role in its upkeep. We work closely with the council to ensure the water and surrounding areas are maintained to protect the environment. This includes regular litter picking by our team and coordinated efforts to combat litter in the wider area.

APEM, a leading environmental consultancy, has been involved from the very beginning in transforming this body of water into the success story it is today. Their work, in partnership with Salford City Council, has included implementing water quality initiatives and conducting ongoing monitoring to ensure standards remain high.

APEM continue to conduct tests every two weeks to maintain compliance with the EU Bathing Water Directive, which classifies water quality from Poor to Excellent. We’re proud to report that the majority of the time, our water achieves an Excellent rating. On rare occasions when water quality drops to Good or below, we assess and take the necessary measures to uphold our high standards. If you want to read more about the success of the Salford Quays project, click here.

Safety Guidelines and Your Responsibility

While we take every precaution to ensure a safe environment, it is important to remember that no body of open water is entirely free from risks. For this reason, we ask all visitors to follow these essential health and safety guidelines:

• Personal Hygiene: We provide showers and wash basins for your convenience. At a minimum, please wash your hands thoroughly after engaging in water activities.
• Cover Cuts and Wounds: Ensure any cuts, scratches, or open wounds are properly covered with waterproof dressings before entering the water to reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoid Swallowing Water: This minimises the risk of gastrointestinal issues and other waterborne illnesses.
• Health Considerations: If you are feeling unwell, are immune-compromised, or have any underlying health concerns, we recommend consulting your GP before participating in water-based activities.

Rare but Important Risks to Be Aware Of:

Although water quality is regularly rated Excellent, it’s essential to understand the potential risks associated with any open water environment. While rare, the following are risks you should be aware of:

• Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease): A rare but serious bacterial infection that can be contracted from open water. To reduce risk, avoid swallowing water and wash thoroughly after contact. If you experience flu-like symptoms after visiting, contact your GP immediately.
• Blue-Green Algae: We actively monitor for harmful algal blooms. If detected, we will temporarily restrict water activities to ensure your safety.
• Gastrointestinal Illnesses: While uncommon, some waterborne bacteria can cause stomach upsets. Maintaining good hygiene practices, like washing hands, helps reduce this risk.

If you become unwell after engaging in water-based activities, please seek medical advice promptly.

Our activities are designed to provide quality experiences while adhering to the highest safety and quality standards. If you have any further questions about water quality or your visit, please do not hesitate to contact us via WatersportsCentre@scll.co.uk.