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24/08/2007
Beach Guide Reports 1 In 8 Hit By Pollution
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has reported that water quality at 85% of the UK’s bathing beaches as of a ‘Good Standard’ following a mid-summer analysis of water quality data from 553 bathing sites.
However, MCS has warned that the number of beaches failing minimum legal standards for water quality, or only achieving a basic pass, is significantly higher compared to this time last year, and 1 in 8 beaches have suffered a serious short-term pollution incident at some point during the first half of the summer.
MCS Coastal Pollution Officer Thomas Bell said: “The vast majority of Britain’s beaches have taken the brunt of this summer’s wet weather exceptionally well. But MCS warned in May that climate change is forecast to bring summers punctuated by violent storms and flash floods, and today’s report reflects the pollution pressures that such weather can bring. Heavy rain will periodically sweep waterborne pollutants such as raw sewage, organic refuse and farm waste from the land into rivers and the sea. The problem for swimmers is knowing when that has happened.”
MCS has called on the government to provide public information on all bathing beaches, advising swimmers that coastal waters can be temporarily affected by increased pollution, with a consequent risk to bathers’ health, after heavy rain.
MCS said specific counter pollution measures are needed including expansion of the sewer system to handle large volumes of storm water, and the rapid improvement of an estimated 2,000 failing combined sewer overflows.
The Society has urged swimmers to be aware of possible pollution after severe rain or flooding, and where pollution occurs to wait at least 24 hours after the rain stops before entering the sea.
This mid-season beach report is derived from water quality samples from each of 553 official UK bathing beaches.
The results are published on the MCS Good Beach Guide website www.goodbeachguide.co.uk.
(SP/KMcA)
However, MCS has warned that the number of beaches failing minimum legal standards for water quality, or only achieving a basic pass, is significantly higher compared to this time last year, and 1 in 8 beaches have suffered a serious short-term pollution incident at some point during the first half of the summer.
MCS Coastal Pollution Officer Thomas Bell said: “The vast majority of Britain’s beaches have taken the brunt of this summer’s wet weather exceptionally well. But MCS warned in May that climate change is forecast to bring summers punctuated by violent storms and flash floods, and today’s report reflects the pollution pressures that such weather can bring. Heavy rain will periodically sweep waterborne pollutants such as raw sewage, organic refuse and farm waste from the land into rivers and the sea. The problem for swimmers is knowing when that has happened.”
MCS has called on the government to provide public information on all bathing beaches, advising swimmers that coastal waters can be temporarily affected by increased pollution, with a consequent risk to bathers’ health, after heavy rain.
MCS said specific counter pollution measures are needed including expansion of the sewer system to handle large volumes of storm water, and the rapid improvement of an estimated 2,000 failing combined sewer overflows.
The Society has urged swimmers to be aware of possible pollution after severe rain or flooding, and where pollution occurs to wait at least 24 hours after the rain stops before entering the sea.
This mid-season beach report is derived from water quality samples from each of 553 official UK bathing beaches.
The results are published on the MCS Good Beach Guide website www.goodbeachguide.co.uk.
(SP/KMcA)
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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.
03 May 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.
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.
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.
15 April 2014
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.
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.
04 November 2003
UK records cleanest bathing water standards
A record 98.8% of England's bathing waters meet the European standards for 2003, Environment Minister Elliot Morley announced today. From a total of 411 English bathing areas, 406 passed the main mandatory tests.
UK records cleanest bathing water standards
A record 98.8% of England's bathing waters meet the European standards for 2003, Environment Minister Elliot Morley announced today. From a total of 411 English bathing areas, 406 passed the main mandatory tests.
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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.
