Most of EU's beaches meet water quality levels

Over 95 per cent of Europe's lakes, beaches and rivers reached the minimum requirements of water quality for bathing during 2013, according to the latest EU data. It was found that coastal bathing sites had better levels of water quality than inland bathing areas.

According to the annual 'bathing water quality report' from the European Environment Agency (EEA), Luxembourg and Cyprus have 'excellent' levels of bathing water quality. Malta (99 per cent 'excellent'), Croatia (95 per cent) and Greece (93 per cent) were also found to be high on the scale.

However, six EU member states were found to have the highest proportion of bathing sites classed as having 'poor' water quality. These were Estonia (six per cent), the Netherlands (five per cent), Belgium (four per cent), France (three per cent), Ireland (three per cent), and Spain (three per cent).  

The report tracks the quality of water at 22,000 bathing sites throughout Switzerland and the EU. Last year was the first time Albania was included in the water tracking. As well as the comprehensive report, the EEA has released an interactive map that shows each of the bathing sites tested and how they performed throughout 2013. 

Janez Potocnik, EU environment commissioner, said: "It's good that the quality of European bathing waters continues to be of a high standard. But we cannot afford to be complacent with such a precious resource as water. We must continue to ensure that our bathing and drinking water as well as our aquatic ecosystems are fully protected."

Bathing waters can be listed as being 'excellent', 'good', 'sufficient' or 'poor' depending upon samples that are collected by local authorities during the spring and bathing season. The ratings are based on two types of bacteria, which indicate the levels of sewage or livestock pollution and can cause illness when swallowed.

However, the water ratings don't take into account pollution, litter or other things that can harm the environment, which could indicate that some bathing sites are dirtier than the report has found.