2016 Results
- 98.5% of England’s coastal and inland bathing waters attained ‘sufficient’ or higher status.
Bathing water quality is assessed throughout the bathing season (15 May to 30 September) by the Environment Agency who collect and analyse water samples for bacterial content.
Bathing waters are much cleaner now than ever before and have continually improved since 1990 when just 28% met European water quality standards.
There has been a concerted effort over the last 25 years to reduce pollution and look after our rivers, lakes and the sea. Bathing waters can be affected by sewage discharges from storm overflows, sewer blockages, livestock manure, domestic mis-connections and wildlife and dogs on or near beaches.
Bathing waters and agriculture
Our industry has been working hard to minimise agriculture’s impact and farmers have been supported to protect the water environment by the Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative and industry-led projects like the Campaign for the Farmed Environment and Tried & Tested.
The NFU members Bathing Water Briefing explains how farmers in coastal areas can help improve bathing waters.
Farmers can find support to protect the water environment through Catchment Sensitive Farming and Campaign for the Farmed Environment. Best practice advice on manure management can be ordered from Tried & Tested.