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03/05/2012
Wet Summer Sinks Standards Of Scottish Bathing Beaches
The Marine Conservation Society has recommended fewer bathing beaches in Scotland in its latest Good Beach Guide.
The number of beaches in Scotland recommended for their excellent bathing water quality in the annual Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Beach Guide has dropped in the last year, putting Scotland behind the rest of the UK.
While the rest of the UK has had one of the best years on record for bathing water quality, at Scottish beaches standards have declined. Just 45 out of 110 (41%) beaches tested last summer, are recommended by MCS for excellent water quality – that’s 5% less than 2011 which was one of Scotland’s best years in the Guide.
Calum Duncan, MCS Scotland Programme Manager, says that water quality at Scotland's beaches was almost certainly impacted by heavy summer rains and above average rainfall in many areas.
"Intense rainfall increases surface water run-off – which contains livestock waste and dog faeces from farm land and city streets – and can cause untreated sewage to discharge from combined sewer overflows (CSO's), both of which can have public health implications for Scotland's coastal waters.
"But it's not all bad news, after being designated as an official bathing water at the beginning of last summer, MCS is pleased to be able to recommend Monifieth, in Angus, for excellent water quality in this years Good Beach Guide."
Overall the number of UK beaches recommended for excellent bathing water quality is the highest in the Guide’s 25 year history. 516 out of 754 (68%) beaches tested last summer reached the required standard, that’s 8% more than last year.
(CD/GK)
The number of beaches in Scotland recommended for their excellent bathing water quality in the annual Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Beach Guide has dropped in the last year, putting Scotland behind the rest of the UK.
While the rest of the UK has had one of the best years on record for bathing water quality, at Scottish beaches standards have declined. Just 45 out of 110 (41%) beaches tested last summer, are recommended by MCS for excellent water quality – that’s 5% less than 2011 which was one of Scotland’s best years in the Guide.
Calum Duncan, MCS Scotland Programme Manager, says that water quality at Scotland's beaches was almost certainly impacted by heavy summer rains and above average rainfall in many areas.
"Intense rainfall increases surface water run-off – which contains livestock waste and dog faeces from farm land and city streets – and can cause untreated sewage to discharge from combined sewer overflows (CSO's), both of which can have public health implications for Scotland's coastal waters.
"But it's not all bad news, after being designated as an official bathing water at the beginning of last summer, MCS is pleased to be able to recommend Monifieth, in Angus, for excellent water quality in this years Good Beach Guide."
Overall the number of UK beaches recommended for excellent bathing water quality is the highest in the Guide’s 25 year history. 516 out of 754 (68%) beaches tested last summer reached the required standard, that’s 8% more than last year.
(CD/GK)
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A record number of UK beaches have received awards for water quality, in the annual Good Beach Guide. The water quality at 73% of the UK's beaches have been classed as "excellent" by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), who say that the driest summer since 2003 caused less pollution to filter down from town and cities in to coastal waters.
Record Number Of UK Beaches Awarded For 'Excellent' Water Quality
A record number of UK beaches have received awards for water quality, in the annual Good Beach Guide. The water quality at 73% of the UK's beaches have been classed as "excellent" by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), who say that the driest summer since 2003 caused less pollution to filter down from town and cities in to coastal waters.
20 August 2004
Summer rains could pose health risk to bathers: warning
This summer’s heavy storms could lead to sewage discharges from overwhelmed drainage infrastructure posing a potential pollution and health risk on Britain’s bathing beaches, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has warned.
Summer rains could pose health risk to bathers: warning
This summer’s heavy storms could lead to sewage discharges from overwhelmed drainage infrastructure posing a potential pollution and health risk on Britain’s bathing beaches, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has warned.
24 August 2007
Beach Guide Reports 1 In 8 Hit By Pollution
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15 May 2006
Blue Flags rise on beach clean up
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There has been an increase in the number of beaches to win a Blue Flag for their standards of water quality and accessability. Improvements in cleanliness of beaches in England and Wales have seen 120 beaches awarded the coveted Blue Flags.
27 March 2013
Beach Safety Standards Continue To Fall
The latest Good Beach Guide has revealed the number of UK beaches failing to meet minimum standards for water quality are increasing. In 2012, a total of 42 beaches failed to meet the minimum EU levels required – 17 more than 2011.
Beach Safety Standards Continue To Fall
The latest Good Beach Guide has revealed the number of UK beaches failing to meet minimum standards for water quality are increasing. In 2012, a total of 42 beaches failed to meet the minimum EU levels required – 17 more than 2011.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
