Bathing waters
There are 448 designated bathing waters in the UK and 95% of samples from them are supposed to comply with European Union rules on pollution. Unfortunately Britain does not measure up too well.
The most widely used test is one for "total and faecal coliform bacteria". Their presence in water suggests sewage pollution. In 1997 only 88.8% of UK bathing waters complied with the coliform measurement.
But the situation is improving. In 1989 only 76% of bathing waters were found to comply. The national picture also masks regional differences. Only 50% of the 34 bathing waters in north west England met European Union standards in 1996/7.
Table showing bathing waters meeting European Standards.
|
no. bathing waters |
no. bathing waters
up to standard |
% up to standard |
| Anglian |
35 |
35 |
100.0 |
| Thames |
3 |
3 |
100.0 |
| Wales |
64 |
60 |
93.8 |
| North East England |
56 |
51 |
91.1 |
| South West England |
181 |
164 |
90.6 |
| Southern |
75 |
67 |
89.3 |
| Northern Ireland |
16 |
14 |
87.5 |
| Scotland |
23 |
17 |
74.0 |
| North West England |
34 |
17 |
50.0 |
Source: Environment Agency
