South West and Essex Beaches Achieve High Water Quality Ratings

Recent assessments by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) indicate that bathing waters across the South West of England are among the cleanest in the country, with 96.2% classified as Excellent or Good. South West Water has been recognized as the second-best performer in England for maintaining and improving bathing water quality, achieving 100% compliance for the fifth consecutive year. This year, 13 bathing water sites in Devon and Cornwall have improved their ratings, including Sandy Bay, Dittisham, Millendreath, Par Sands, Porthluney, Swanpool, Maenporth, Marazion, Penzance, Wherry Town, Porthkidney Sands, Ilfracombe Hele, and Polkerris.

South West beaches achieve top water quality marksSouth West bathing waters are still among the cleanest in the countryCouncil leaders welcome ‘excellent’ water quality as seven Tendring beaches achieve top rating

South West Water is undertaking a significant £760 million investment program aimed at enhancing water quality and reducing the use of storm overflows over the next five years. Richard Price, Managing Director of Wastewater Services, emphasized the company's commitment to improving bathing water quality, stating, “We know a range of factors contribute to water quality, but we’re playing our part and more with a record-breaking £760 million investment to reduce the use of storm overflows and strengthen our wastewater network.”

South West beaches achieve top water quality marks

In Essex, seven beaches have also received excellent water quality ratings from the Environment Agency. The beaches recognized include Walton, Frinton, Holland-on-Sea, Clacton, Jaywick, Dovercourt, and Brightlingsea. Additionally, Clacton’s Martello Beach and Manningtree Beach were rated as Good, with Manningtree notably improving from a Sufficient rating last year. Councillor Mick Barry of Tendring District Council highlighted the importance of these results for local tourism and community pride, stating, “Clean, safe bathing waters give confidence to residents and visitors, encouraging people to stay longer and enjoy everything our coastline has to offer.”

Council leaders welcome ‘excellent’ water quality as seven Tendring beaches achieve top ratingSeven Essex beaches rated as excellent for water quality

Efforts to improve water quality in Tendring have involved collaboration between local councils, community groups, and organizations such as Anglian Water. Councillor Adrian Smith noted the collective effort in enhancing water standards, which has contributed to the region's reputation as a top seaside destination. He remarked, “We’ve worked closely with partners like Anglian Water and other local groups to keep improving standards – and these latest results show that effort is paying off.”

Council leaders welcome ‘excellent’ water quality as seven Tendring beaches achieve top rating

Nationally, 87% of bathing waters were rated Excellent or Good, with 93% meeting minimum standards, reflecting a slight improvement from the previous year. This trend underscores the ongoing commitment to maintaining high water quality across the UK, as local authorities and water companies continue to invest in infrastructure and community engagement to ensure safe and clean bathing waters for residents and visitors alike.

South West bathing waters are still among the cleanest in the country

• “We have some of the very best bathing waters in Europe here in the South West and we’re really pleased to see more beaches improving and 96.2% now rated Excellent or Good. We know a range of factors contribute to water quality, but we’re playing our part and more with a record-breaking £760 million investment to reduce the use of storm overflows and strengthen our wastewater network. Bathing water quality is a major priority for us.” — Richard Price, Managing Director of Wastewater Services, South West Water

South West bathing waters are still among the cleanest in the country

• “Our Essex Sunshine Coast is one of the district’s greatest assets – and these latest water quality ratings show it’s among the best in the country,” — Councillor Mick Barry, Tendring District Council

Council leaders welcome ‘excellent’ water quality as seven Tendring beaches achieve top rating

• “Water quality in Tendring matters to all of us,” — Councillor Adrian Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment, Tendring District Council

Council leaders welcome ‘excellent’ water quality as seven Tendring beaches achieve top rating