Beach
Official water quality testing only applies to EA-designated bathing waters.
Find designated bathing waters near youIf you've spotted pollution, algae, or anything unusual, let the community know.
Report a hazardWe use official Environment Agency bathing water quality data, including E. coli and enterococci bacteria measurements.
The EA samples bathing waters weekly during the bathing season (May-September). Classifications are updated annually.
Excellent and Good mean safe for swimming. Sufficient means meet minimum standards. Poor means the water has failed safety tests.
Heavy rainfall can cause sewage overflows. Warnings are issued when water quality may be temporarily affected.