Bathing Water in Wales achieves top classification

10 Nov 2014 12:23 PM

This year’s bathing water quality results for Wales show that more bathing waters than ever before have met the highest European standard.

Of the 102 bathing waters in Wales, 90 met the higher Guideline standard, with the others all achieving the Mandatory European standard. These results demonstrate the excellent bathing water quality which both the people of Wales and visitors can enjoy.

Commenting on the results, Carl Sargeant, Minister for Natural Resources said:  

“Our bathing waters are an important natural resource that has environmental, social and economic benefits for the whole of Wales, with our fantastic beaches and beautiful coastlines enjoyed by millions every year.

“I’m delighted to see Wales achieve these excellent results for the 2014-bathing season. We must now continue to work with our partners to build on the high standards we have set so that communities across Wales and beyond can continue to bathe in top quality Welsh water for years to come.”

The bathing water statistics in Wales are taken from samples taken by Natural Resources Wales at regular intervals during the bathing season (15 May to 30 September) and are verified by the European Commission.  

Emyr Roberts, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales, said:

“The results from this summer show that bathers were able to enjoy clean water at our fantastic beaches.

“Our coast and Llyn Padarn, the first lake in Wales to be designated a bathing water, are major attractions for visitors in Wales and are an important part of the economy.

“Tougher new standards for bathing waters are being introduced next year, which classifies waters over an average of four years instead of one.  

“Early projections indicate that three-quarters of the bathing waters will meet the excellent standard next year, which is great news for the people, environment and economy of Wales”.