Beach water quality

Background

Bathing waters at designated beaches are sampled and tested by the Environment Agency .

Bathing water quality is measured by the amount of bacteria within a water sample. Counts are undertaken throughout the bathing season to see if the water quality meets the EU bathing water directive. The directive sets limits for a number of substances, and all countries in the European Union have to ensure their popular beaches meet these standards. These popular beaches are known as 'designated bathing waters'.

The latest beach water assessment for the south-west was published by the Environment Agency on 13 November 2008.

Coliforms

The coliform group of bacteria are the most important of the directive standards tested for. In general these can be taken as an indication of sewage contamination present.

Water quality assessment in the bathing season

In accordance with the bathing water directive, bathing waters must be tested at weekly intervals between 1 May and 30 September, with a minimum of 20 samples tested. There are two measurement criteria - a mandatory standard, which members must meet in order for a bathing area to pass and a guideline standard, which member states should strive to achieve.

Mandatory:

Over a bathing season 95% of samples taken must be equal to or better than the main mandatory standards of less than 10,000 total coliform bacteria and no more than 2,000 faecal coliforms per 100ml

Guidelines:

Over a bathing season 80% of samples must be equal to or better than the stringent guideline standards of less than 500 total coliforms and 100 faecal coliforms per 100 ml, and 90% of samples equal to or better than the faecal streptococci standard of 100 per 100ml.

Beach awards

Seaside Awards

The Seaside Awards provide information about a wide range of beaches. In March each year, the distinctive yellow and blue flag is given to beaches that are clean, safe, well managed and have water quality that meets the minimum European legal standards. Because beaches are all very different in character, the Seaside Awards are split into two categories, 'resort' and 'rural'. A Seaside Award 'resort' beach attracts many visitors with its facilities and activities. A Seaside Award 'rural' beach however, is quieter and usually enjoyed for its simplicity rather than its facilities.

Blue Flag

The Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label awarded to approximately 2900 beaches and marinas in 24 countries across Europe and South Africa each year.

The Blue Flag campaign is owned and run by the independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.

The Blue Flag campaign includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.