Water quality improves at south-west beaches

Water quality tests at beaches along the south-west coast of Britain found that 97.3 per cent of the bathing waters pass European standards.

The figures demonstrate an improvement over last year, with just five beaches failing the survey, compared with ten in 2008.

All the analysis was carried out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which noted a significant rise in the number of bathing waters complying with strict EU standards across the country.

Overall, 98.6 per cent of locations attained the mandatory European Commission (EC) water standards in 2009. This is an increase of two per cent over last year.

Commenting on the findings, Richard Cresswell, regional director of the Environment Agency, said: "Bathing water quality around England and Wales has improved dramatically over the past 20 years and we are working hard to ensure it continues to do so."

He added that the organisation was using the most advanced technology available to monitor water quality, particularly in respect of tracing the source of faecal and sewage pollution.

Church beach at Lyme Regis was one of the five that failed to meet the mandatory standards. It is one of four beaches in the area which is part of the Jurassic Coast.

Posted by Lauren Steadman