2017 Results
98.3% 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 collects and analyses water samples for bacterial content.
The results have diminished slightly from last year where 98.5% of bathing waters in England attained ‘sufficient’ or higher standard. However 98.3% is still a positive result for the wet summer that we have had this year. Overall bathing waters 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. Farmers have been supported to protect the water environment through the Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative and industry-led projects like the Campaign for the Farmed Environment and Tried & Tested.
The NFU members ‘Bathing Waters and Agriculture’ 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 and nutrient management can be ordered from Tried & Tested.