Bathing water quality

• Bathing water quality in the South West improved in 2009, compared to the results in 2008.  

• 97% of the region’s 191 beaches met the mandatory (Imperative) standards in 2009, slightly higher than the 94.5% compliance in 2008.

• 84% of the region’s bathing waters met the more stringent EU (guideline) standards

The South West region has 1000km of coastline and bathing waters are vital to the region's economy, particularly in terms of their contribution to the tourism and leisure industry. Contamination of bathing waters can pose a risk to human health and the environment. Better bathing water quality enhances our enjoyment and could also benefit the local tourist industry, especially our coastal resorts.

The Environment Agency monitor 495 bathing waters, including 9 inland, in England & Wales, 192 (almost 40%) of which can be found in the South West - more than in any other region.

The Environment Agency sample the water quality at each bathing water 20 times during the bathing water season from 15 May to 30 September in England and Wales. Every bathing water is sampled at a designated sample point. There are almost 500 designated bathing waters in England and Wales. The standards measured against are for total coliform and faecal coliform, and additionally faecal streptococci for the guideline standards.

Bathing water quality is one of the Environment Agency's headline indicators

England and Wales

In 2009 the Environment Agency measured the water quality at 495 bathing waters in England and Wales. Almost all bathing waters (98%) met the mandatory minimum standards (Imperative) and 355 (82%) were clean enough to meet the much stricter European Guideline standards.

Bathing water quality has improved significantly since 1990. Between 1998 and 2009 the number of bathing waters meeting the European guideline standards increased by a third. This is largely due to water companies investing to improve the quality of their sewage discharges. There has been a small decline in bathing water quality between 2006 and 2008, due mainly to the heavy rain during the summer months. Heavy rain causes more diffuse pollution from agricultural and urban sources, and storm sewage overflows operate more frequently.

Cloudier weather in 2008 also meant there was less ultraviolet light which naturally breaks down and destroys potentially harmful bacteria.

South West bathing water quality

During 2008, due to high summer rainfall, 10 bathing waters failed to achieve the mandatory standards.  2009 saw an improvement, with just 5 bathing waters failing to meet mandatory standards in the South West.

• Environment Agency bathing water quality

• What's in your backyard - find out bathing water quality at a beach near you