WIREDGOV

414 coastal and freshwater bathing water sites were monitored in England in 2008 and 2009, with the below results.

In 2007 and 2008, exceptionally wet weather contributed to lower standards of bathing water.  Heavy rainfall caused pollution from agriculture and from urban areas to run off and lead to more frequent operation of Combined Sewer Overflows.

The Environment Agency investigates the causes of failure at each bathing water site that falls below mandatory standards and takes appropriate measures to address sources of pollution. 

Measures taken to reduce and mitigate pollution from agriculture include the Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative and the establishment of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, which now cover approximately 70per cent of England. 

Notes to editors

1.     The water quality results for identified coastal and inland bathing waters in England, and a summary of the UK compliance figures, can be found in the 2009 results tables.  A report with more detailed results for the UK will be available on the bathing water web page by the end of December 2009.

2.     Bathing water standards are set through the Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC).  Further information about bathing water quality in England can be found at  http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/waterquality/bathing/index.htm

3.     Bathing water quality is a devolved issue, and results for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are published by the Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly and Department of Environment Northern Ireland.  The results for Scotland were published on 15 September and for Northern Ireland on 3 November.  The results for Wales will be published on 17 November. The results are also available on the websites of the Environment Agency (England and Wales), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

4.     A minimum of 20 water quality samples are taken for each bathing water site.  Tests run from two weeks before the start of the bathing season which runs from 15 May to 30 September.

5.     The seven bathing waters that failed to meet the minimum ‘mandatory’ standards are: Lyme Regis Church Beach; Par; Crinnis Golf Links; Bude Summerleaze and Instow in the South West, and Morecambe South and Askham-in-Furness in the North West.

6.     Three bathing waters could not be sampled in 2009.  Blackpool North in North West region has been closed for engineering works to the sea defences.  Access to Barmston in North East region is unsafe because of cliff erosion.  At Newhaven in Southern region, access to the privately owned bathing water has been closed. These waters are not included in the 2009 compliance assessment.

7.     The names of 16 bathing waters were amended in 2009 to clarify their geographical location.

8.  Combined sewers carry both rain water runoff, and sewerage.   More information on      measures the Government is taking to improve bathing water include can be found at:

       The Catchment Sensitive Farming Initiative

http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/landmanage/water/csf/index.htm

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/waterquality/diffuse/nitrate/index.htm

9.  The tighter “UK guideline” water quality standard is one of the requirements for a beach to achieve ‘Blue Flag’ status.