Defra ‘Bathing water in the UK is improving. A total of 97% of England’s bathing waters passed the minimum tougher standard this year. In total, 63.6% of bathing waters meet the new Excellent standard.

Our nation’s bathing waters have continually improved since 1990 when just 27% met strict water quality standards. As our bathing water is better than ever EU standards are now also getting higher.

Environment Minister Rory Stewart:

Our bathing waters continue to get better, with 97% meeting new, tougher standards. We continue working to further improve the quality of our water, and last year our coast was the cleanest it has ever been. Swimming is allowed and all beaches remain open; new EU standards are simply there to advise and inform the public on water quality. I want Britain’s beaches, seas and lakes to have the cleanest water in the world. We need everyone to help us achieve this – from Government, water companies and councils to local communities.

Dr Pete Fox, Director of Land & Water at the Environment Agency said:

Water quality at beaches is better than any time in living memory, with dramatic improvements having been made over the last few decades. The Environment Agency has led successful work to monitor, investigate and reduce pollution, which has benefited the environment and people with nearly all of England’s beaches 97% meeting the new stringent water quality standards.

To read more go to:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/englands-bathing-water-results-2015