WIREDGOV

Defra: Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government have published a consultation (closes 4 February 2008) for delivering improved bathing water quality under the revised Bathing Water Directive.   It sets more stringent microbiological water quality standards for popular bathing areas and requires improved public information about sites, including advice against bathing where the minimum standard is not met.

 

It introduces four new water quality classifications - Excellent, Good, Sufficient and Poor.  All bathing waters in Europe, with some limited exceptions, must achieve at least the ‘sufficient’ standard by 2015.  A new aspect of the regulations is the requirement for local authorities and the small number of private beach controllers to provide information & advice on water quality through beach signage.

 

To meet the new standards, Defra and WAG have identified three scenarios for implementing the Directive:

* Meeting the minimum requirements, but with the use of a 'prediction & discounting' system.

Press release ~ Consultation documents ~ Closed consultation on diffuse sources of water pollution from agriculture ~ Defra – Bathing Waters ~ Defra - Revised Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) ~ Good Beach Guide ~ Blue Flag