Bathing water quality

 It requires Member States to identify waters where Bathing is not prohibited and is traditionally practiced by a large number of bathers. Once identified, bathing waters must be sampled regularly during the bathing season to show that they meet at least the mandatory bacteriological standards.

The bathing season in Wales is between 15 May and 30 September. During this time, the Environment Agency Wales takes weekly samples of identified bathing waters.

We compare the results of the Environment Agency's sampling against the Directive's mandatory and (much tougher) guideline standards for types of bacteria which indicate sewage or other pollution. We then publish the results and report them to the European Commission.

We welcome your opinions on bathing waters in Wales. Please use our online form or e-mail your comments to water@wales.gsi.gov.uk.

More information on bathing water quality is available from the Environment Agency.

Visit: Environment Agency (external link)