HL Deb 21 February 1989 vol 504 cc638-46WA
Lord Brougham and Vaux

asked Her Majesty's Government:

If they will announce the results of the survey of bathing water quality made in 1988.

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (The Earl of Caithness)

The results of the survey carried out during the 1988 bathing season show that 67 per cent. of our bathing waters in England, Wales and Northern Ireland met the mandatory coliform bacteria standards of the EC Bathing Water Directive. This represents a significant improvement over 1987, when, measured on the same basis, only 55 per cent. of our waters met these standards.

Since 1987, we have tightened the way in which we monitor and assess compliance with the directive in order to put the figures on a consistent basis with those produced by the European Commission for all member states. For this reason, the 1988 results are not directly comparable with those announced last May for 1987 in another place by my honourable friend the Member for Lewisham East.

Measured on the new basis, 254 out of the 380 bathing waters in England, Northern Ireland and Wales met the directive's mandatory coliform bacteria standards during the 1988 bathing season. This compares with 206 out of 370 waters (55 per cent.) in 1987, and only 184 out of 358 waters (51 per cent.) in 1986, measured on the same basis.

These figures are encouraging and show that we are continuing to make good progress in cleaning up our bathing waters, mainly as a result of the major programmes of capital expenditure by water authorities in renewing sewers in coastal towns and constructing long sea outfalls. We attach a high priority to bringing all our remaining bathing waters up to EC standards, and are discussing with water authorities how to accelerate these programmes. In 1989/90, water authorities expect to spend about £100m on schemes to improve bathing waters.

The 1988 results are set out below in summary form. We shall arrange for a more detailed summary of the results to be placed in the Library.

Bathing Waters Survey-1988 Results
(England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Compliance with Bathing Water Directive (761160IEEC):
Coliform Standards
Pass Fail Total
Northumbrian Water Authority 9 10 19
Yorkshire Water Authority 21 1 22
Anglian Water Authority 19 9 28
Thames Water Authority 0 2 2
Southern Water Authority 27 38 65
Wessex Water Authority (South Coast) 26 1 27
South West Water Authority 92 17 109
Wessex Water Authority (Bristol
Channel) 4 7 11
Welsh Water Authority 37 11 48
North West Water Authority 6 27 33
Department of the Environment for
N. Ireland 14 2 16
TOTAL 255 125 380
Northumbrian Water Authority
1987
Published Result Reworked Result 1988 Result
(95% rule)
Spittal Fail Fail Fail
Bamburgh/Seahouses Pass Pass Pass
Beadnell Pass Pass Pass
Low Newton Pass Pass Pass
Alnmouth Fail Fail Pass
Warkworth Pass Pass Pass
Druridge Bay Pass Pass Pass
Newbiggin Fail Fail Fail
South Beach/Seaton Sluice Pass Pass Fail
Whitley Bay Pass Pass Fail
Bathing Waters Survey—I988 Results
(England, Wales and Northern Ireland)—continued
Compliance with Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC):
Coliform Standards—continued
Northumbrian Water Authority
1987
Published Result Reworked Result 1988 Result
(95% rule)
Tynemouth Pass Fail Pass
South Shields Pass Fail Pass
Marsden Fail Fail Fail
Roker/Whitburn Fail Fail Fail
Seaham Fail Fail Fail
Crimdon Fail Fail Fail
Seaton Carew Fail Fail Fail
Redcar Fail Fail Pass
Saltburn Fail Fail Fail
Yorkshire Water Authority
Staithes Pass Pass Pass
Runswick Bay Pass Pass Pass
Sandsend Pass Pass Pass
Whitby Pass Pass Pass
Robin Hoods Bay Pass Pass Pass
Scarborough North Bay Pass Fail Pass
Scarborough South Bay Fail Fail Pass
Cayton Bay Pass Pass Pass
Filey Pass Pass Pass
Reighton Pass Pass Pass
Flamborough North Landing Pass Pass Pass
Flamborough South Landing Pass Pass Fail
Bridlington North Beach Pass Pass Pass
Bridlington South Beach Pass Pass Pass
Wilsthorpe Pass Pass Pass
Fraisthorpe Pass Pass Pass
Earls Dyke Pass Pass Pass
Barmston Pass Pass Pass
Skipsea Pass Pass Pass
Hornsea Pass Pass Pass
Tunstall Pass Pass Pass
Withernsea Fail Fail Pass
Anglian Water Authority
Cleethorpes Fail Fail Fail
Mablethorpe Town Fail Fail Pass
Sutton-on-sea Fail Fail Fail
Moggs Eye Pass Pass Pass
Anderby Pass Pass Pass
Chapel St Leonard Fail Fail Pass
Ingoldmells South Fail Fail Pass
Skegness Pass Pass Pass
Heacham Pass Pass Fail
Hunstanton Beach Pass Pass Fail
Wells Pass Fail Pass
Sheringham Fail Fail Fail
Cromer Fail Fail Fail
Mundesley Pass Pass Pass
Great Yarmouth North Pass Fail Pass
Great Yarmouth Pier Pass Fail Fail
Great Yarmouth South Pass Fail Fail
Lowestoft North Pass Pass Pass
Lowestoft South Pass Pass Pass
Felixstowe North Pass Pass Pass
Felixstowe South Pass Pass Pass
Dovercourt Fail Fail Fail
Walton Fail Fail Pass
Frinton Pass Pass Pass
Holland Pass Fail Pass
Clacton Pass Fail Pass
Jaywick Pass Pass Pass
Brightlingsca Fail Fail Pass
Thames Water Authority
Southend Thorpe Bay Fail Fail Fail
Southend Westcliff Bay Fail Fail Fail
Bathing Waters Survey—1988 Results
(England, Wales and Northern Ireland)—continued
Compliance with Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC): Coliform Standards—continued
Southern Water Authority
1987
Published Result Reworked Result 1988 Result
(95% rule)
Leysdown Pass Fail Pass
West Beach Pass Pass Pass
Heme Bay Fail Fail Fail
Minnis Bay Pass Pass Pass
St. Mildred's Bay Fail Fail Pass
Margate The Bay Pass Pass Pass
Margate Fulsam Rock Pass Fail Pass
Joss Bay Fail Fail Fail
Broadstairs Fail Fail Fail
Ramsgate Fail Fail Fail
Sandwich Bay Fail Fail Fail
Deal Castle Fail Fail Fail
St. Margaret's Bay Pass Pass Pass
Folkestone Fail Fail Fail
Sandgate Fail Fail Fail
Hythe Fail Fail Fail
Dymchurch Fail Fail Fail
St. Mary's Bay Fail Fail Fail
Littlestone Pass Fail Fail
Camber Fail Fail Pass
Winchelsea Pass Pass Pass
Hastings Fail Fail Fail
Bexhill Pass Pass Pass
Norman's Bay Pass Pass Pass
Pevensey Bay Fail Fail Pass
Eastbourne Pass Pass Pass
Seaford Fail Fail Fail
Newhaven Fail Fail Fail
Saltdean Pass Pass Pass
Brighton Pass Fail Fail
Hove Fail Fail Fail
Southwick Fail Fail Fail
South Lancing Fail Fail Fail
Worthing Fail Fail Fail
Littlehampton Fail Fail Fail
Middleton-on-sea Pass Fail Fail
Bognor Regis Pass Pass Pass
Pagham Pass Pass Fail
Selsey Fail Fail Fail
Bracklesham Bay Pass Fail Pass
West Wittering Pass Pass Pass
West of Eastoke Pass Pass Pass
West Hayling Pass Pass Pass
Eastney Pass Pass Fail
Southsea Pass Fail Fail
Stokes Bay Pass Fail Pass
Lee-on-Solent Pass Pass Pass
Calshot Pass Fail Fail
Lepe Pass Pass Pass
Milford-on-sea Fail Fail Fail
Christchurch Bay Pass Pass Fail
Highcliffe Pass Pass Pass
Compton Bay Pass Pass Pass
Totland Bay Pass Pass Pass
Colwell Bay Pass Pass Fail
Gurnard Fail Fail Fail
Cowes Pass Fail Fail
Ryde Fail Fail Fail
Seagrove Pass Pass Fail
St. Helens Pass Fail Fail
Bembridge Fail Fail Fail
Whitecliff Bay Pass Pass Fail
Sandown Pass Pass Pass
Shanklin Pass Fail Pass
Ventnor Pass Fail Fail
Wessex Water Authority (South Coast)
Christchurch Highclifte Castle Pass Pass Pass
Christchurch Avon Beach Fail Fail Fail
Christchurch Mudeford Sandbank Pass Pass Pass
Bournemouth Hengistbury Pass Pass Pass
Bathing Waters Survey—1988 Results
(England, Wales and Northern Ireland)—continued
Compliance with Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC): Coliform Standards—continued
1987
Published Result Reworked Result 1988 Result
(95% rule)
Wessex Water Authority (South Coast)
Bournemouth Pier Pass Pass Pass
Poole Shore Road Sandbanks Pass Pass Pass
Poole Harbour Sandbanks Pass Pass Pass
Poole Harbour Lake Pass Pass Pass
Poole Harbour Rockley Sands Pass Pass Pass
Shell Bay Pass Pass Pass
Studland Pass Fail Pass
Swanage Pass Pass Pass
Kimmeridge Bay Pass Pass Pass
Lulworth Cove Pass Pass Pass
Durdle Door East Pass Pass Pass
Durdle Door West Pass Pass Pass
Ringstead Pass Pass Pass
Bowleaze Cove Pass Pass Pass
Church Ope Cove Pass Pass Pass
Weymouth Lodmoor Pass Pass Pass
Weymouth Central Pass Pass Pass
Portland Harbour Castle Cove Pass Pass Pass
Portland Harbour Sandsfoot Castle Pass Pass Pass
West Bay (west) Pass Pass Pass
Eypemouth Pass Pass Pass
Seatown Pass Pass Pass
Charmouth West Pass Pass Pass
Lyme Regis Pass Fail Fail
Seaton (Devon) Pass Fail Pass
Beer Pass Pass Pass
Sidmouth Pass Pass Pass
Ladram Bay Pass Pass Pass
Budleigh Salterton Fail Fail Pass
Sandy Bay Pass Pass Pass
Exmouth Pass Pass Pass
Dawlish Warren Pass Pass Pass
Dawlish Pass Pass Pass
Teignmouth Fail Fail Pass
Shaldon Pass Fail Fail
Ness Cove Pass Pass Pass
Maidencombe Pass Pass Pass
Watcombe Pass Pass Pass
Oddicombe Pass Pass Pass
Babbacombe Pass Pass Pass
Redgate Pass Pass Pass
Meadfoot Pass Pass Pass
Beacon Cove Pass Pass Pass
Torre Abbey Pass Pass Pass
Hollicombe Pass Pass Pass
Paignton Pass Pass Fail
Goodrington Fail Fail Pass
Broadsands Pass Pass Pass
Shoalstone Pass Pass Pass
St Mary's Bay Pass Pass Pass
Dartmouth Castle and Sugary Cove Pass Pass Pass
Blackpool Sands Pass Pass Pass
Slapton Sands Pass Pass Pass
Mill Bay Pass Fail Pass
Salcombe North Sands Pass Pass Pass
Salcombe South Sands Pass Pass Fail
Hope Cove Pass Pass Pass
Thurlestone Fail Fail Fail
Bantham Pass Pass Pass
Bigbury-on-sea Pass Pass Pass
Challaborough Pass Fail Pass
Mothecombe Pass Pass Pass
South West Water Authority
1987
Published Result Reworked Result 1988 Result
(95% rule)
Wembury Pass Fail Pass
Bovisand Pass Pass Pass
Plymouth Hoe Pass Fail Fail
Portwrinkle Fail Fail Pass
Bathing Waters Survey—1988 Results
(England, Wales and Northern Ireland)—continued
Compliance with Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC): Coliform Standards—continued
South-West Water Authority
1987
Published Result Reworked Result 1988 Result
(95% rule)
Downderry Pass Fail Pass
Seaton (Cornwall) Pass Fail Fail
Millendreath Pass Pass Pass
East Looe Pass Pass Pass
Readymoney Fail Fail Pass
Polkerris Pass Fail Pass
Par Pass Pass Pass
Crinnis Pass Pass Pass
Charlestown & Duporth Pass Fail Fail
Porthpean Pass Pass Pass
Pentewan Fail Fail Fail
Polstreath Pass Pass Pass
Port Mellon Pass Pass Pass
Gorran Haven Pass Fail Pass
Porthluney Pass Pass Pass
Pendower Pass Pass Pass
Gyllyngvase Pass Fail Pass
Swanpool Pass Fail Pass
Maen Porth Pass Fail Pass
Porthallow Fail Fail Fail
Porthoustock Pass Pass Pass
Coverack Pass Pass Pass
Kennack Sands Pass Pass Pass
Pollurian Cove Pass Pass Pass
Poldhu Cove Pass Pass Pass
Gunwalloe Cove Pass Pass Pass
Porthleven Pass Fail Fail
Praa Sands Pass Pass Pass
Perran Sands Pass Pass Pass
Marazion and Mounts Bay Fail Fail Fail
Porthcurno Pass Pass Pass
Sennen Pass Pass Pass
Porthmeor Pass Pass Pass
Porth Gwidden Pass Pass Fail
Porthminster Pass Pass Pass
Carbis Bay Pass Pass Pass
The Towans Pass Pass Pass
Portreath Pass Pass Pass
Porthtowan Pass Pass Pass
Trevaunance Cove Pass Fail Pass
Perranporth Pass Fail Pass
Holywell Bay Pass Pass Pass
Crantock Pass Pass Pass
Fistral Pass Pass Pass
Towan Pass Pass Pass
Watergate Pass Pass Pass
Mawgan Porth Pass Fail Pass
Treyarnon Bay Pass Pass Pass
Constantine Bay Pass Pass Pass
Mother Ivey's Bay Pass Pass Pass
Harlyn Bay Pass Pass Pass
Trevone Bay Pass Fail Fail
Rock Pass Fail Pass
Daymer Bay Pass Pass Pass
Polzeath Pass Pass Pass
Widemouth Sand Pass Pass Pass
Bude Fail Fail Fail
Hartland Quay Pass Pass Pass
Westward Ho! Pass Pass Pass
Instow Fail Fail Fail
Saunton Sands Pass Pass Pass
Croyde Bay Pass Pass Pass
Woolacombe Pass Pass Pass
Ilfracombe Fail Fail Pass
Combe Martin Pass Fail Fail
Lynmouth Fail Fail Pass
Wessex Water Authority (Bristol Channel)
Porlock Weir Pass Fail Pass
Minehead Terminus Fail Fail Fail
Dunster North West Fail Fail Fail
Bathing Waters Survey—1988 Results
(England, Wales and Northern Ireland)—continued
Compliance with Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC):
Coliform Standards—continued
Wessex Water Authority
(Bristol Channel)
1987
Published Result Reworked Result 1988 Result
(95% rule)
Blue Anchor West Pass Fail Pass
Burnham Jetty Fail Fail Fail
Berrow Pass Pass Fail
Brean Pass Pass Pass
Weston-s-mare Uphill Slipway Pass Pass Fail
Weston-s-mare Grand Pier Fail Fail Fail
Weston-s-mare Sand Bay Pass Fail Pass
Clevedon Swimming Pool Fail Fail Fail
North West Water Authority
Meols Pass Fail Pass
Moreton Pass Pass Pass
New Brighton Pass Pass Pass
Formby Pass Pass Fail
Ainsdale Pass Fail Fail
Southport Fail Fail Fail
St. Annes Fail Fail Fail
St. Annes North Fail* Fail* Fail
Blackpool South Fail Fail Fail
Blackpool Central Fail Fail Fail
Blackpool North Fail Fail Fail
Bispham Fail Fail Fail
Cleveleys Fail Fail Fail
Fleetwood Fail Fail Fail
Heysham—Half Moon Bay Fail Fail Fail
Morecambe South No Survey Fail
Morecambe North No Survey Fail
Bardsea Fail Fail Fail
Aldingham Fail* Fail* Fail
Newbiggin Pass* Fail* Fail
Walney Biggar Bank Pass Pass Pass
Walney Sandy Gap Pass Fail Pass
Walney West Shore Pass Fail Fail
Roan Head Pass Fail Fail
Askam-in-Furness No Survey Fail
Haverigg Fail Fail Fail
Silecroft Pass Pass Pass
Seascale Fail Fail Fail
St. Bees No Survey Fail
Allonby South Pass* Fail* Fail
Allonby Pass Fail Fail
Silloth Pass Pass Fail
Skinburness Fail* Fail* Fail
*Although these bathing waters were newly identified in 1988, the sites were sampled in 1987—St. Annes North as part of St. Annes, Aldingham and Newbiggin as part of Bardsea. Allonby South as part of Allonby, and Skinburness as part of Silloth.
North West Water Authority
Jacksons Bay Barry Fail Fail Fail
Whitmore Bay Barry Fail Fail Fail
Cold Knap Barry Fail Fail Fail
Southerndown Pass Pass Fail
Trecco Bay Porthcawl Fail Fail Pass
Sandy Bay Porthcawl Fail Fail Fail
Rest Bay Porthcawl Pass Pass Pass
Aberafan Pass Pass Pass
Swansea Bay Fail Fail Fail
Bracelet Bay Pass Pass Pass
Limeslade Bay Fail Fail Pass
Langland Bay Pass Pass Pass
Caswell Bay Fail Fail Pass
Oxwich Bay Pass Pass Pass
Port Eynon Bay Pass Pass Pass
Rhossili Pass Pass Pass
Pembrey Pass Pass Pass
Pendine Pass Pass Pass
Bathing Waters Survey—1988 Results
(England, Wales and Northern Ireland)—continued
Compliance with Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC):
Coliform Standards—continued
Welsh Water Authority
1987 1988
Published Result Reworked Result Result
(95% rule)
Amroth Fail Fail Pass
Saundersfoot Fail Fail Pass
Tenby North Fail Fail Fail
Tenby South Pass Fail Pass
Broadhaven Pass Pass Pass
Newgale Pass Pass Pass
Whitesands Pass Pass Pass
Newport Pass Pass Pass
Newquay Pass Pass Pass
Aberystwyth South Fail Fail Pass
Aberystwyth North Pass Pass Pass
Borth Pass Pass Pass
Tywyn Pass Pass Pass
Fairbourne Pass Pass Pass
Barmouth Pass Pass Pass
Llandanwg Pass Pass Pass
Harlech Pass Pass Pass
Morfa Bychan Fail Fail Pass
Criccieth Fail Fail Pass
Pwllheli Pass Pass Pass
Abersoch Pass Pass Fail
Morfa Dinlle No Survey Pass
Trearddur Bay Fail Fail Pass
Ben 1 lech Fail Fail Pass
Llandudno West Shore Fail Fail Fail
Llandudno North Pass Pass Pass
Bathing Waters Survey—1988 Results
(England, Wales and Northern Ireland)—continued
Compliance with Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC):
Coliform Standards—continued
Welsh Water Authority-
1987 1988
Published Result Reworked Result Result
(95% rule)
Colwyn Bay Pass Pass Pass
Kinmel Bay Fail Fail Fail
Rhyl Fail Fail Fail
Prestatyn Pass Pass Pass
Department of the Environment for N. Ireland
Magilligan Pass Pass Pass
Castlerock Pass Fail Pass
Portstewart Pass Pass Pass
Portrush (Mill Strand) Pass* Pass* Pass
Portrush (Curran Strand) Pass* Pass* Pass
Ballycastle Fail Fail Fail
Brown's Bay Pass Pass Pass
Helen's Bay Pass Pass Pass
Crawfordsburn Pass Pass Pass
Ballyholme Fail Fail Pass
Groomsport Pass Fail Pass
Millisle Pass Pass Pass
Tyrella Pass Pass Pass
Newcastle Fail Fail Fail
Cranfield (Nicholsons Strand) Pass Pass* Pass
Cranfield (Cranfield Bay) Pass Pass* Pass
*Although these bathing waters were newly identified in 1988, the sites were sampled in 1987, Portrush (Mill Strand) and Portrush (Curran Strand) as part of Portrush, and Cranfield (Nicholsons Strand) and Cranfield (Cranfield Bay) as part of Cranfield.