UK bathing water quality falls

The number of beaches in the UK classified as "excellent" for the quality of bathing water has fallen to its lowest level since 2000, according to new figures published by the European Environment Agency.

The number fell from 82.8 per cent in 2011 to 58.2 per cent in 2012 which means that the UK has some of the worst bathing quality water in Europe. It came in third worst with 6 per cent of water tested falling below the required European Union standard on contamination, including contamination from sewage and livestock. 

However, overall the Agency said Europe’s water quality was improving, with 94 per cent of sites tested achieving the minimum standards for water quality. The European Environment Agency also said eight countries achieved excellent bathing water quality above the EU average, including Germany, Spain and Italy. 

Janez Potočnik, the EU commissioner for the environment, said: “It’s encouraging to see the quality of European bathing waters continuing to improve. But more remains to be done to ensure all our waters are suitable for bathing and drinking and that our aquatic ecosystems are in good health. Water is a precious resource and we need to put into practice all the necessary measures to protect it in full.”