We’re carrying out an innovative programme to find out more about water quality at designated bathing waters.
Designated bathing waters have an official classification issued by Defra. This classification is based on water sampling data collected typically weekly during the peak bathing season, May to September.
Because we know many people go into the water outside these times, we want to improve our understanding of water quality at these sites outside of peak season. This will provide invaluable information for customers and other stakeholders, as well as helping to inform our improvement initiatives. There is no requirement for us to carry out this testing and the sample results will not be used in the official classification process.
We want to build up a detailed picture of how different factors influence water quality in the colder months. Waste from animals, run off from roads, agricultural run off and storm overflow activity all have an impact. The data we’re collecting will help us to understand where sources of pollution originate, helping to protect water quality.
The data table below is best viewed on a desktop screen.
We’ve chosen 14 designated bathing waters for additional testing. The locations are; Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Sandy Bay, Lynmouth, Anstey’s Cove, Beacon Cove, Bovisand, Meadfoot, Harlyn Bay, Holywell, Mother Ivey’s, Plymouth Hoe East, Plymouth Hoe West and Plymouth Firestone.
Starting in July 2024, we’re taking daily samples (where health and safety allows).
Samples are sent to an external UKAS-accredited lab for analysis. We test for two types of bacteria, E.coli and enterococci, and measure salinity at the bathing water. These results are provided in the tables above.
We’re committed to being transparent with the data collected on this programme and you can access updates above. However, it’s important to note that a sampling programme of this size will produce results that need go through quality assurance, this may result in a delay of data being published.
For more information about water quality, see these sites: