The Environment Agency continues to broadcast the governments false claim that over 98% of the United Kingdoms bathing waters reach the imperative mandatory microbiological standards required by the 1975 76/160/EC Bathing Waters Directive, but scrutiny of the results placed on the Environment Agency's web site shows a very different story. These give the full unedited and uncensored analysis findings from which one can calculate the true EC Bathing Waters Directive mandatory standard 'pass', 'fail' or 'unproven' status for each resort.
The reason is that yet again the results provided for public and press consumption have been based upon compliance to only two of the four required mandatory microbiological parameters, these being total coliforms and faecal coliforms, the indicator bacteria. As in previous years findings of the far more dangerous salmonella and enterovirus pathogens that must be shown as absent for a bathing water to conform to the European Bathing Water Directory Mandatory standard have been ignored. In order to further inflate the number of 'passes' only rarely have they investigated the presence of these pathogens. The deception practised is that by not looking for them it is inferred that as they were not found, then they must be absent. Not unlike a person claiming to have passed an examination when they have not sat it saying, "Well, we didn't fail, so we must have passed!" Despite past protests the United Kingdom authorities have again for 2005 based compliance on a standard of their own making, one seriously short of that demanded by the actual EC Directive.
These flawed claims are widely publicized without inspection or checking by the media and claimed as being the compliance of the United Kingdom resorts to the actual standards required by the EC Directive. The false claims published are never corrected nor denied by DEFRA or the Environmental Agency, but are freely allowed to be used as propaganda by the government and the water companies as justification of their claims to have made major improvements on the sewage pollution of British bathing waters. Indeed, over the past few years major improvements have been made in an effort to comply with the more recent Urban Waste Water Directive, but not to meet the desired level.
A major discrepancy exists between what the public is being told to believe and the true qualifying status of the UK's bathing waters. This poses a serious threat to health as many of the questionable beaches fly Seaside Awards and Blue Flags issued by the Tidy Britain Group. The rules for awarding Seaside Award flags are that they are given to resorts passing the mandatory standards of the EC Bathing Waters Directive. In practice some flags are being flown at resorts that fail the microbiological mandatory requirements of the Directive and also at many more that have not been tested for the presence of the two most infective mandatory pathogens of all - enteroviruses and salmonella!
The following listing gives the true 2005 EC mandatory compliance or failure, or the failure to properly test for all four imperative microbiological parameters as demanded by the Directive. They are made from the actual analysis findings reported by the regional Environmental Agency of samples taken between May and September the previous year. The Public Register of the Environmental Agency regions findings is available on their Internet Web Site www.environment-agency.gov.uk
To pass the current Directive mandatory standard, a bathing water must have no more than 5% of the samples (1 of the 20) showing either more than 10,000 total coliforms per 100ml, or 2,000 faecal coliforms per 100ml. This and this alone is what the DETR's claimed passes are based upon. But what is withheld from knowledge in the United Kingdom is that the Directive also demands that to meet the imperative mandatory standard the bathing water must be shown to have a complete absence of both enteroviruses and salmonella. A single finding of either of these pathogens over the whole previous years test sampling fails the resort to the imperative mandatory standard, as it is these pathogens, not the coliforms, that are responsible for most of the illnesses associated with bathing in sewage polluted waters. They are not investigated because of the cost involved in doing so, yet, although on a different budget, that of the NHS, the cost to public health is far greater!
To spot the factual mandatory compliance of a resort claimed to pass, look on the EA's Web Site for the columns under enteroviruses and salmonella. If you see dashes all the way down the list of twenty findings, then that resort has not been properly tested, so the compliance is unknown, and cannot be claimed as a 'pass'. If you see a '0' or '<1' then it has been tested, and no salmonella or enteroviruses were found to be present. As those few resorts which were tested rarely had more than two tests in the course of the entire year, a pass for these is doubtful. However, we have given these the benefit of the doubt and awarded a 'pass'. If on the other hand a figure greater than '0' (e.g. 1, 2, etc.) is in the column, then enteroviruses or salmonella were proved to be present, hence those resorts prove to fail. It is on this basis, strictly in accordance with the stipulations of the 1975 76/160/EC Bathing Water Directive, that the following qualified compliances can be given. This listing provides a factual PASS, FAIL or an 'UNKNOWN' for every designated UK bathing water according to the actual standards required by the 76/160/EC Bathing Water Directive itself.
False compliances claims for our bathing waters have been ongoing for more than seventeen years now, despite evidence of the malpractice supplied to House of Commons Environmental and DETR Committee Enquiries in 1989/90 and in 1997. The House of Commons Environmental Committee Enquiry into the Disposal of Sewage pointed out the pollution hazard resulting from the Government's "interpretation" of the standards, yet exactly the same false claims of EC compliance have continued unabated under successive governments. The DG-XI Legal Department of the EC have taking actions on the UK Government for their continued failure to comply with the Directive. The EC Commissioner, in answer to a recent question in the European Parliament agreed in the strictest terms that a presence of salmonella or enterovirus fails a resort to the imperative mandatory standard that should have been reached by January 1986, nineteen years ago. Yet, they fail to take action on the continuing deception.
Available on the Environment Agency web site www.environment-agency.gov.uk and given here are the recommended guideline conformities. To meet this non-mandatory standard bathing waters must show no more than 100 faecal coliforms, 100 faecal streptococci or 500 total coliforms per 100 ml in more than 20% of the samples taken, i.e. not more than four failures of the twenty taken throughout the May to September bathing season. The EA site has a simplified listing of each of the twenty samples per site listed as 'Poor', 'Good' or 'Excellent'. If more than sixteen are shown as 'excellent' it passes. If less, it fails. In this listing we have split the guideline passes into PASS (*) for an excellent pass, PASS (B) for a bare pass only just making the grade, a straight PASS or a FAIL. But the imperative mandatory standard to be met, not more than one sample of the twenty coliform tests made throughout the year may be 'poor' but dependant upon the absence of any salmonella or enterovirus also.
As well as status qualifying to the rulings of the EC Directive as given here and the UK governments own version, another set of findings is employed by the Marine Conservation Society in their 'Good Beach Guide'. The MCS pass a bathing water only if all twenty of the faecal and total coliform meet the mandatory value, but, rather surprisingly, they too ignore the status for both salmonella or enterovirus.
Scottish Bathing Water Resorts Guide For 2005
| Beach Resort | Total Coliforms | Faecal Coliforms | Salmonella | Enterovirus | Mandatory Status | Guideline Conformity |
| Southerness | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Sandyhills | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Rockcliffe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Brighouse Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Carrick | FAIL | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Girvan | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Turnberry | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Ayr (South) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Prestwick | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Troon (South) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Irvine | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Saltcoats | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Millport | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Luss Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Ettrick Bay | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Machrihanish | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Ganavan | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Morar Beach | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Dunnet Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Dornoch (Caravan Park) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Dores, Loch Ness | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Nairn Central | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Nairn East | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Cullen | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Inverboyndie | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Rosehearty | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Fraserburgh (Tigerhill) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Fraserburgh Philorth | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Peterhead Lido | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Cruden Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Balmedie (Pillbox) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Aberdeen Ballroom | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Stonehaven Carron | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| St Cyrus | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Montrose | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Lunan Bay | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Arbroath (Victoria Park) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Arbroath (West Links) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Easthaven | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Carnoustie | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Monifieth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Broughty Ferry | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Tentsmuir Sands | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| St.Andrews (W.Sands) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| St.Andrews (E.Sands) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Kingsbarns | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Crail (Roome Bay) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Arbroarth (Victoria Park) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Elie - Ruby Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Shell Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Earlsferry | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Lower Largo Beach | FAIL | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Leven East | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Pathhead Sands | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Kirkaldy (Seafield) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Kinghorn (Harbour) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Kinghorn (Pettycur) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Burntisland | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Aberdour (Harbour) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Aberdour (Silver Sands) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Dalgety Bay (Yacht Club) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Cramond | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Portobello West | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Portobello Central | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Fisherrow West | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Seton Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Longniddry | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Gullane | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Yellowcraigs | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| North Berwick Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| North Berwick (Milsey Bay) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Seacliff | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Peffersands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Dunbar (Bellhaven) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Dunbar East | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Whitesands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Thorntonloch | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Pease Bay | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| St.Abbs | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Coldingham | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Eyemouth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
For the year 2004 status, based on the 2003 bathing season findings by SEPA, Scotland's (then) 58 resorts showed two proven passes, three proven failures and 53 resorts of unknown mandatory conformity. A discrepancy was shown between the salmonella and enterovirus tests given on SEPA's web site and those provided by them directly by e-mail which stated that 5 resorts were tested for salmonella and 5 for enteroviruses, albeit only once or twice throughout the entire year. That was an improvement on the previous year when not a single test for either pathogen was conducted throughout the entire year, when not a single bathing water was proved to pass. This year we have 81 designated resorts, none of which were seen to be tested for salmonella or enterovirus, thus yet again we see no proven mandatory standard passes whatsoever. Six failed on Coliforms, the remaining 75 remain as unknown conformity. But 45 passed the guideline standard, 29 failed whilst the remaining seven were not tested at all !
Northumbrian Region Bathing Water Resorts Guide For 2005
| Beach Resort | Total Coliforms | Faecal Coliforms | Salmonella | Enterovirus | Mandatory Status | Guideline Conformity |
| Spittal | FAIL | FAIL | PASS | FAIL | FAIL | FAIL |
| Bamburgh Castle | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Seahouses North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Beadnell | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Low Newton | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Warkworth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Amble Links | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Druridge Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Newbiggin North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Newbiggin South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Blyth South Beach | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Seaton Sluice | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Whitley Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Tynemouth Cullercoats | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Tynemouth Long Sands North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Tynemouth Long Sands South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Tynemouth King Edward Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| South Shields | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Marsden | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Whitburn North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Roker/Whitburn South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Seaham Beach | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Seaham Remand Home | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | PASS (B) |
| Crimdon | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL | FAIL |
| Seaton Carew North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Seaton Carew Centre | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Seaton Carew North Gare | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Redcar Coatham | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Redcar Lifeboat Station | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Redcar Granville | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Redcar Stray | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Marske Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Saltburn | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
Last year the Environment Agency tests at Northumbrians 33 resorts showed not a single proven EC full mandatory standard pass, two proven failures and the remaining 31 of unknown status. This was due to the failure of the Environmental Agency to test for the presence of all the required mandatory parameters. Only four resorts were tested for salmonella and just two for enteroviruses, even less than the previous year. For 2005 we see just two tests for salmonella and two for enteroviruses, both sets of which showed failure. Thus, the 2005 mandatory status of every resort has to be 'unknown' apart from the two proven failures. No proven passes resulted. The guideline compliance was met at 23 bathing waters (21 only just so and none with excellence) with ten resorts failing.
Yorkshire Region Bathing Water Resorts Guide For 2005
| Beach Resort | Total Coliforms | Faecal Coliforms | Salmonella | Enterovirus | Mandatory Status | Guideline Conformity |
| Staithes | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Runswick Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Sandsend | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Whitby | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Robin Hoods Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Scarborough North Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Scarborough South Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Cayton Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Filey | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Reighton | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Flamborough N. Landing | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Flamborough S. Landing | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Danes Dyke, Flamborough | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Bridlington N Beach | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Bridlington S Beach | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Wilsthorpe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Fraisthorpe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Earls Dyke | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNTESTED |
| Barmston | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Skipsea | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Hornsea | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Tunstall | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Withernsea | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
Of Yorkshires 23 resorts, the net result of the 2003 analyses that gave the status for 2004 showed that two resorts failed, none were seen to pass and that 21 of Yorkshire's 23 bathing waters were of unknown mandatory conformity. For this year we again see no passes. Staithes is still failing, whilst the remainder are all of unknown conformity. Twelve met the guideline compliance, all but two very narrowly. None showed an excellent pass. Ten failed. Earls Dyke had no tests performed whatsoever again this year, so it is still completely of unknown status.
Anglian Region Bathing Water Resorts Guide For 2005
| Beach Resort | Total Coliforms | Faecal Coliforms | Salmonella | Enterovirus | Mandatory Status | Guideline Conformity |
| Cleethorpes | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS (*) |
| Mablethorpe Town | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS (B) |
| Sutton-on-Sea | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Moggs Eye | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Anderby | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Chapel St Leonard | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Ingoldmells South | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS |
| Skegness | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Heacham | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Hunstanton Main Beach | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS (B) |
| Hunstanton Beach | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Wells | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Sheringham | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Cromer | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Mundesley | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Sea Palling | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Hemsby | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Caister Point | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Gt Yarmouth North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Gt Yarmouth Pier | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Gt Yarmouth South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Gorleston Beach | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Lowestoft North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Lowestoft South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Southwold The Pier | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Southwold The Denes | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Felixstowe North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Felixstowe South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Dovercourt | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Walton | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Frinton | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Holland | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | PASS (B) |
| Clacton | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Clacton (Groyne 41) | FAIL | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Jaywick | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Brightlingsea | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| West Mersea | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
The tests carried out by the Environment Agency in 2003 (that gave the Anglian Region resorts 2004 status) evidenced that not one of the regions resorts was tested for all four mandatory microbiological parameters as required by the EC Directive. Thus we had no resorts proved to fail, none proved to pass, and all 37 resorts unproven. This year we have four resorts proven to pass, three to fail with the remainder of unknown status. The good news is that only five of the bathing beaches failed the recommended Guideline standard, these being Heacham, Great Yarmouth by the pier, Southwold Denes, Frinton and Clacton's Groyne 41. Walton Beach went totally untested. Five resorts attained an excellent high standard, whilst nine passed very narrowly. It is a great delight to see Cleethorpes and Gorleston-on-Sea now passing the guideline standard, as not many years ago swimming there was more like going through the motions.
Thames Region Bathing Water Resorts Guide For 2005
| Beach Resort | Total Coliforms | Faecal Coliforms | Salmonella | Enterovirus | Mandatory Status | Guideline Conformity |
| Shoebury East | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Shoeburyness | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Southend Thorpe Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Southend Jubilee | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Southend 3 Shells | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Southend Westcliff Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Southend Chalkwell | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Leigh Bell Wharf | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
The 2003 samples giving the 2005 status showed just one proven pass, no failures and seven of unknown mandatory conformity. Once the Thames Environmental Agency (previously the areas National Rivers Authority and prior to that Thames Water) was the only authority in the entirety of the United Kingdom to fully and properly investigate the bathing waters of their area for true Directive mandatory compliance, even identifying the specific enteroviruses, e.g polio. Sadly, after 1995, they acquiesced to the direction made to the Environment Agencies by the Department of the Environment to reduce their sampling frequency for salmonella and enteroviruses. Thus the 2004 Environmental Agency sampling programme has performed no tests for these pathogens again for the 2005 mandatory standard compliance, so we have no passes, no failures, only eight resorts of unknown conformity. But five of these passed the recommended guideline values, one, Shoebury East, excellently so and two only barely. Recognising the vast amount of sewage that went into the Thames in the periods of heavy rainfall this last yerar, this is quite remarkable !
Southern Region Bathing Water Resorts Guide For 2005
| Beach Resort | Total Coliforms | Faecal Coliforms | Salmonella | Enterovirus | Mandatory Status | Guideline Conformity |
| Sheerness | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Leysdown | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| West Beach Whitstable | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Herne Bay Central | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Herne Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Minnis Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Westgate Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Margate The Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Margate Fulsam Rock | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Walpole Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Botany Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Joss Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Stone Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Broadstairs | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Ramsgate Main Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Ramsgate | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Sandwich Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Deal Castle | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| St Margarets Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Folkstone | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Sandgate | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Hythe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Dymchurch | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| St Marys Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Littlestone | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Camber | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Winchelsea | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Hastings | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| St Leonards | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Bexhill | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Norman's Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Pevensey Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Eastbourne | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Birling Gap | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Seaford | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Newhaven | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Saltdean | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Brighton | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Hove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Southwick | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| South Lancing | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Worthing | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Littlehampton | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Middleton-on-sea | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Felpham | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Bognor Regis East | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Bognor Regis | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Pagham | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Selsey | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Bracklesham Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| West Wittering | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| West of Eastoke | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| West Beachlands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| West Hayling | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Eastney | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Southsea | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Stokes Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Lee-on-Solent | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Hillhead | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Calshot | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Lepe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Milford-on-sea | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Christchurch Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Highcliffe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Compton Bay IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Totland Bay IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Colwell Bay IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Gurnard IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Cowes IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Ryde IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Seagrove IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| St Helens IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Bembridge IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Whitecliff Bay IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Sandown IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Shanklin IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Ventnor IoW | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
In the 1997 bathing season the Southern Environmental Agency analysed every one of their 75 resorts (albeit only twice in the entire year) for both salmonella and enteroviruses, so proving that 40 of the bathing waters then met the imperative mandatory EC standard whilst 35 proved to fail. No bathing waters whatsoever remained of unknown conformity. In 1998, undoubtedly to mask these failures, SEA complied with the governments direction to reduce sampling for salmonella and enteroviruses, so only investigated for these at eight resorts of the Southern region's then 77 bathing waters, so replacing what would have been many proven failures with an 'unknown' mandatory compliance. The 2000 analyses for the 2001 conformity showed that only seven resorts were tested for salmonella and just six for enterovirus, so producing five resorts proving to pass, two failures and 72 resorts of unknown EC mandatory compliance from the then 79 bathing waters. For the year 2002 the 2001 sampling results showed just three resorts tested for salmonella and three for enteroviruses. The 2002 analyses showed only one test for salmonella and two for enteroviruses, both of which failed. 2002 showed two proven passes and two proven failures, with the other 75 of questionable status. 2003 showed two failures, no passes whatsoever and 77 of unknown conformity. For 2004 we saw just one properly tested resort, Worthing, which passed for salmonella but failed on enteroviruses. Thus we had one failure, no passes and all the others incompletely tested, hence of questionable conformity. In the 2004 testing we see 77 bathing waters listed, all with no tests whatsoever for either enteroviruses or for salmonella, so producing not a single mandatory pass, just one proven (coliform) failure and 76 of unknown mandatory conformity for 2005! Fourteen resorts failed the guideline level and forty one only just made the grade. Just nine of them showed an excellent pass.
South-West (Wessex) Bathing Water Resorts Guide For 2005
| Beach Resort | Total Coliforms | Faecal Coliforms | Salmonella | Enterovirus | Mandatory Status | Guideline Conformity |
| Christchurch Highcliffe Castle | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Christchurch Friars Cliff | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Christchurch Avon Beach | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Christchurch Mudeford Sandbank E | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Bournemouth Hengistbury E | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Bournemouth Southbourne | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Bournemouth Fishermans Walk | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Bournemouth Boscombe Pier | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Bournemouth Pier | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Bournemouth Durley Chine | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Bournemouth Alun Chine | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Branksome Chine | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Poole Shore Road Sandbanks | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Poole Harbour Sandbanks | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Poole Sandbanks Carpark | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Poole Harbour Lake | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Poole Harbour Rockley Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Shell Bay North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Studland Knoll House | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Swanage Central | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Kimmeridge Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Lulworth Cove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Durdle Door East | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Durdle Door West | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Ringstead Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Bowleaze Cove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Weymouth Lodmoor | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Weymouth Central | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Portland Harbour Castle Cove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Portland Harbour Sandsfoot Castle | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Church Ope Cove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Hive | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| West Bay (West) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Eypemouth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Seatown | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Charmouth West | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Porlock Weir | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Minehead Terminus | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Dunster North West | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Blue Anchor West | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Burnham Jetty | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Berrow North of Unity Farm | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Brean | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Weston s Mare Uphill Slipway | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Weston Main | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Weston s Mare Sand Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Clevedon Beach | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
The pathetic record of failing to test for all four required mandatory microbiological parameters resulted in unknown conformity for 42 of the 47 Wessex resorts for 2001. It was similar the next year when the Wessex region showed just one proven pass, four proven failures and 42 bathing waters with a big question mark hanging over them. The following year saw 45 of undetermined compliance, two proven failures and not one pass. For 2004 we saw just one proven failure at Blue Anchor West and again not one proven pass! Not a single one of the regions bathing waters was tested for either enteroviruses or salmonella and the same has resulted again this year. No mandatory passes, no failures, but every resort of unknown compliance! But we do see 39 passes to the recommended guideline value, twelve of these excellent, fourteen very narrowly so, two unknown and seven failing.
South West Region Bathing Water Resorts Guide For 2005
| Beach Resort | Total Coliforms | Faecal Coliforms | Salmonella | Enterovirus | Mandatory Status | Guideline Conformity |
| Lyme Regis Church Beach | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | PASS (B) |
| Lyme Regis Cobb | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Seaton (Devon) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Beer | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Sidmouth Town | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Sidmouth Jacobs Ladder | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Ladram Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Budleigh Salterton | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Sandy Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Exmouth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Dawlish Warren | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Dawlish Town | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Dawlish Coryton Cove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Teignmouth Holcombe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Teignmouth Town | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Shaldon | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Ness Cove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Maidencombe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Watcombe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Oddicombe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Babbacombe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Regate | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Meadfoot | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Beacon Cove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Torre Abbey | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Hollicombe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Paignton Preston Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Paignton Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Goodrington | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Broadsands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Shoalstone | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| St Mary's Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Dartmouth Castle & Sugary Cove | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Blackpool Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Slapton Sands Monument | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Slapton Sands Torcross | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Mill Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Salcombe N Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Salcombe S Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Hope Cove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Thurlestone South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Thurlestone North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Bantham | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Bigbury on-Sea South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Bigbury-on Sea North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Challaborough | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Mothecome | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Wembury | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Bovisand | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Plymouth Hoe East | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Plymouth Hoe West | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Kingsand | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Cawsand | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Portwrinkle | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Downderry | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Seaton (Cornwall) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Millendreath | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| East Looe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Readymoney | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Polkerris | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Par | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Crinnis Golf Links | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Crinnis Leisure Centre | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Charlestown | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Duporth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Porthpean | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Pentewan | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Polstreath | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Port Mellon | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Gorran Haven Little Perhaver | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Gorran Haven (Vault) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Porthluney | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Pendower | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Porthcurnick | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Gyllyngvase | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Swanpool | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Maen Porth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Porthallow | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Porthoustock | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Coverack | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Kennack Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Pollurian Cove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Poldhu Cove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Gunwalloe Cove | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Porthleven West | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Praa Sands East | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Praa Sands West | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Perran Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Mounts Bay Little Holgus | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Mounts Bay Heliport | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Mounts Bay Penzance | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Mounts Bay Wherry Town | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Porthcurno | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Sennen | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Porthmeor | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Porth Gwidden | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Porthminster | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Carbis Bay Station Beach | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Carbis Bay Porth Kidney Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| The Towans (Hayle) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| The Towans (Godrevy) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Portreath | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Porthtowan | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Trevaunance Cove | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Perranporth Village End | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Perranporth Penhale Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Holywell Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Crantock | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Fistral | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Towan | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Great Western | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Tolcarne | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Lusty Glaze | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Porth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Watergate | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Mawgan Porth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Porthcothan | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Treyarnon Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Constantine Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Mother Iveys Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Harlyn Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Trevone Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Rock | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Daymer Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Polzeath | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Trebarwith Strand | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Crackington Haven | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Widemouth Sand | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Bude Summerleaze | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Bude Crooklets | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Bude Sandy Mouth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Hartland Quay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Westward Ho | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Instow | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Saunton Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Croyde Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Woolacombe Putsborough | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Woolacombe Village | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Barricane Bay, Woolacombe | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Ilfracombe Tunnels Beach | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Ilfracombe Capstone (Wildersmouth) | FAIL | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Ilfracombe Hele | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Combe Martin | FAIL | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Lynmouth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
The South West Region of the Environment Agency have been steadily reducing the sampling that should be undertaken for salmonella and enterovirus over the years. Where earlier they tested 81 resorts for salmonella and 19 for enteroviruses out of their 141 bathing waters, for 2002 status they reduced sampling for both of these organisms to just 24 resorts. The result was that for the 2001 summer holiday season we reach a figure of only 13 bathing waters proven to comply, 11 evidenced to fail, and 118 resorts of non-determined mandatory compliance. For the following year we saw just six tests for salmonella (which all passed) and six for enteroviruses (of which none passed). Even resorts that failed on coliforms the previous year were not tested! In 2003 not one of the 141 bathing waters proved to pass, seven proved to fail and the remaining 134 were shown to be of unknown mandatory conformity. For last years status, just five resorts were tested for enteroviruses and six for salmonella, all but one of which failed the mandatory requirement. Indeed, three of the bathing waters were not even tested for coliforms! So for the 2004 status record we had just one proved compliant resort, five proven failures and 135 of unproven and unknown conformity. This year we see not a single test for either enteroviruses or for salmonella, truly a remarkable escape mechanism, as by this means we see no failures for these pathogens, although two failed due to coliform non-compliance. But by the same token we see no passes to the imperative mandatory standard either. Strange that the Directive states that the public have a right to know about the quality of their bathing waters. This year of the now 144 bathing waters, fourteen failed the guideline, the remainder (apart from those three untested for coliforms and faecal streptococci) passing, 56 barely so but 32 with excellence.
Welsh Bathing Water Resorts Guide For 2005
| Beach Resort | Total Coliforms | Faecal Coliforms | Salmonella | Enterovirus | Mandatory Status | Guideline Conformity |
| Jacksons Bay Barry | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Whitmore Bay Barry | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Cold Knap Barry | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Southerndown | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Trecco Bay Porthcawl | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Sandy Bay Porthcawl | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Rest Bay Porthcawl | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Aberafan | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Swansea Bay | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Bracelet Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Limeslade Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Langland Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Caswell Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Oxwich Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Port Eynon Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Rhossili | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Pembrey | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Pendine | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Amroth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Coppet Hall | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Saundersfoot | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Tenby North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Castle Beach, Tenby | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Tenby South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Lydstep | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Manorbier | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Freshwater East | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Barafundle | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Broadhaven South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| West Angle | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Dale | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Marloes | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Broadhaven | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Newgale | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Caerfai | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Whitesands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Newport | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Poppit Sands | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Aberporth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Tresaith | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Llangrannog | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Newquay Harbour | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Traeth Gwen New Quay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Aberystwyth South | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Aberystwyth North | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Clarach South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Borth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Aberdyfi | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Tywyn | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Fairbourne | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Barmouth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Tal-y-Bont | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Dyffryn (Llanendwyn) | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Llanddwyn | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Harlech | UNKNOWN | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Morfa Bychan | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Criccieth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Pwllheli | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Abersoch | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Morfa Dinlle | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Llanddwyn | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Aberffraw | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Rhosneigr | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Trearddur Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Porth Dafarch | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Cemaes | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Traeth Lligwy | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Benllech | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Llanddona | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Penmaenmawr | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Llandudno W Shore | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Llandudno N Shore | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Colwyn Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Kinmel Bay (Sandy Cove) | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Rhyl | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Prestatyn | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
In 1998 The DETR claimed that 64 of the then 68 Welsh bathing water sites passed and that just 4 failed the mandatory values. The Welsh Environment Agency publication 1998 Bathing Waters Report Wales' admitted only 3 mandatory failures. The facts were that just 5 of the 68 Welsh resorts proved to pass the full mandatory EC standard, that 14 failed whilst the remaining 49, though all tested only twice in the whole year for salmonella, had no enterovirus tests conducted whatsoever, so were therefore of unknown compliance. The following year we had 70 designated resorts of which seven were proven passes, nine proven failures and the remaining 54 incompletely tested, so demonstrating unknown compliance. 52 resorts were not salmonella tested and 54 not tested for the presence of enteroviruses. The DETR through the EA reports claimed that 69 resorts passed and only one failed the mandatory level! The following year we had five more resorts added to give 75 resorts in all. Of these only one proved to pass the EC mandatory requirements for all pathogens whilst just one proved to fail, so leaving 73 of the 74 resorts as being highly questionable and of unknown mandatory compliance. The compliance for 2003 given by the 2002 results showed 70 of unknown conformity, five failures and no proven passes whatsoever. For last year's status based on the 2003 analyses, only one resort was tasted for enteroviruses and one other for salmonella. The results showed three mandatory failures, 72 of unknown conformity and no passes. This year we have 76 resorts, all of which are of unknown mandatory compliance, as not single test has been undertaken for either for enteroviruses or for salmonella. Rather amazingly all resorts other than those eight completely untested met the guideline standard, thirteen with distinction, but 29 only just so.
North West Bathing Water Resorts Guide For 2005
| Beach Resort | Total Coliforms | Faecal Coliforms | Salmonella | Enterovirus | Mandatory Status | Guideline Conformity |
| West Kirby | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Meols | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Moreton | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| New Brighton | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Formby | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Ainsdale | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | FAIL |
| Southport | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | FAIL |
| St Annes | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | FAIL |
| St Annes North | PASS | PASS | PASS | FAIL | FAIL | FAIL |
| Blackpool South | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | FAIL |
| Blackpool Central | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | FAIL |
| Blackpool North | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | FAIL |
| Bispham | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS (B) |
| Cleveleys | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS (B) |
| Fleetwood | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | FAIL |
| Heysham Half Moon Bay | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | FAIL |
| Morecombe South | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | FAIL |
| Morecombe North | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | PASS | FAIL |
| Bardsea | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Aldingham | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Newbiggin | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Walney Biggar Bank | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Walney Sandy Gap | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Walney West Shore | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Roan Head | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Askam-in-Furness | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Haverigg | FAIL | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Silecroft | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Seascale | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| St Bees | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Allonby South | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Allonby | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Silloth | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Skinburness | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
The North West region Environmental Agency were once to be congratulated, as they were the only United Kingdom region to have responsibly tested for all four EC mandatory microbiological parameters. Sadly only two samples for salmonella and two for enteroviruses were normally taken throughout the entire bathing season, when 20 should really be the required minimum number for mandatory pathogens. But the result was that each and every resort of the north-west region failed the mandatory requirements due to the proven presence of enteroviruses. Of the 34 resorts tested in 1999, 17 proved to pass the full mandatory standard whilst an equal number failed. (The government claimed 23 passes and 11 failures that year!) The 2000 testing for the 2001 status showed 18 resorts to pass and 15 to fail, with only one remained unproven. The status for 2002 (from the 2001 findings) proved twenty resorts to pass, thirteen to fail and one of unknown compliance. Since then an amazing change miraculously came about the following year since following the imposition of the huge £87,000 per day fine imposed by the European Court on 13th November 2002 for the UK's failure to meet the mandatory standard as required by Directive based upon just three of the Blackpool area bathing waters. The minds of our government must have been focused to the fact that the only way to stop the daily fine was to claim that the failing resorts met the coliform standards. Indeed, by some miracle last year it was claimed that they all so did. So how does this sudden and remarkable reduction of coliforms (on which the fine was based) come about when all the resorts failed the mandatory standard requirement of a zero finding of enteroviruses? Enteroviruses were discovered present at every resort. The 2003 findings giving the compliance for 2004 showed that 16 of the regions 34 resorts were tested for salmonella, and that all passed (!). 16 were tested for enteroviruses, of which 12 passed. With all coliform tests claimed to pass, this gives 11 passes, 5 failures and 18 not fully tested, so of unknown compliance.
As the original judgement of the European Court based it's finding on coliform non-compliance, it is very doubtful that they could now go back to re-imposing the fine on a different vector, i.e. enteroviruses. It would have to be a new case, and would take many years to bring about just as the last case did. By soon we may see a new Bathing Waters Directive basing microbiological compliance on quite different parameters, not including the enterovirus requirements if our government has its way.
The 2004 analyses giving the 2005 status shows all 35 North-west resorts except Haverigg passing the imperative mandatory coliform concentrations, and that twelve passed on salmonella and enteroviruses too, but 21 were not so monitored. Thus we see twelve bathing waters passing, two failing and twenty of unknown mandatory conformity. The recommended guideline standard was achieved at seven resorts, five only just, with no excellent passes. Twenty-seven failed this level.
Northern Ireland Bathing Water Resorts Guide For 2005
| Beach Resort | Total Coliforms | Faecal Coliforms | Salmonella | Enterovirus | Mandatory Status | Guideline Conformity |
| Magilligan | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Downhill | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Castlerock | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Portstewart | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Portrush Mill | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Portrush Curran | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Whiterocks | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Ballycastle | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Cushendall | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Waterfoot | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Cushendun | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Carnlough | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Ballygally | FAIL | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Brown's Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Helen's Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Crawfordsburn | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Ballyholme | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | FAIL |
| Groomsport | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | FAIL |
| Millisle | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Ballywalter | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Ballyhalbert | PASS | FAIL | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | FAIL | PASS (B) |
| Tyrella | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (*) |
| Murlough | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Newcastle | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
| Cranfield Nicholson's | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Cransfield Bay | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS |
| Warrenpoint | PASS | PASS | UNTESTED | UNTESTED | UNKNOWN | PASS (B) |
Northern Ireland were to be congratulated in 2003 as they responsibly tested every one of their then 16 resorts for both salmonella and enteroviruses, albeit only twice per beach throughout the entire year. Every resort proved to pass all four EC mandatory microbiological standards. Northern Ireland was the only region in the entirety of the UK seen to meet the standard that became law in 1985. Sadly the region obviously acquiesced to the governments demand to reduce enterovirus and salmonella sampling as this past year not a single test was done for either pathogen. The net result is that we have 27 bathing waters now, and see no passes to the imperative full mandatory standard, five resorts failing and the other 22 bathing waters of unknown mandatory quality. The recommended guideline quality was met by 20 resorts, 14 of these being very close to failure. Just two bathing waters showed excellent guideline conformity.
Regional and National Mandatory Compliance to 76/160/EC Bathing Waters Directive for 2005
| United Kingdom | Total Bathing Region | Proven Mandatory Waters | Proven Mandatory Passes | Unknown Mandatory Failures | Guideline Compliant Failures | Guideline Failures | Guideline Untested |
| Scotland | 81 | 0 (0.0%) | 6 (7.4%) | 75 (92.6%) | 45 (55.6%) | 29 (35.8%) | 7 (8.6%) |
| Northumbrian | 33 | 0 (0.0%) | 2 (6.0%) | 31 (94.0%) | 23 (69.7%) | 10 (30.3%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Yorkshire | 23 | 0 (0.0%) | 2 (8.7%) | 21 (91.3%) | 12 (52.2%) | 10 (43.5%) | 1 (4.3%) |
| Anglian | 37 | 4 (10.8%) | 3 (8.1%) | 30 (81.1%) | 31 (83.8%) | 5 (13.5%) | 1 (2.7%) |
| Thames | 8 | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) | 8 (100%) | 5 (62.5%) | 3 (37.5%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Southern | 77 | 0 (0.0%) | 1 (1.3%) | 76 (98.7%) | 63 (81.8%) | 14 (18.2%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Wessex | 47 | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) | 47 (100%) | 39 (83.0%) | 6 (12.8%) | 2 (4.2%) |
| South West | 144 | 0 (0.0%) | 2 (1.4%) | 142 (98.6%) | 127 (88.2%) | 14 (9.7%) | 3 (2.1%) |
| Wales | 76 | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) | 76 (100.0%) | 67 (88.2%) | 0 (0.0%) | 9 (11.8%) |
| North West | 34 | 12 (35.3% | 2 (5.9%) | 20 (58.8%) | 7 (20.6%) | 27 (79.4%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| N. Ireland | 27 | 0 (0.0%) | 5 (18.5%) | 22 (81.5%) | 20 (74.0%) | 7 (26.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| TOTAL | 587 (100%) | 16 (2.7%) | 23 (3.9%) | 548 (93.4%) | 439 (74.8%) | 125 (21.3%) | 23 (3.9%) |
To summarise, we find only 16 (2.7%) of the UK's bathing beaches have been proved to meet the 1975 76/160/EEC Bathing Waters Directive Imperitive Standard. Last year it was 31 (5.6%). Failures to meet the mandatory came to only 23 , the same as last year, but 548 remained untested 499 last year). Thus 93.4% of Britain's remain of very dubious conformity due to not having been tested to the requirements specified.
A risk of infection is posed to those innocently entering sewage polluted waters believing them to pass the standards of the 76/160/EC Bathing Waters Directive. Many failing resorts will be flying flags claiming compliance to the EC mandatory standard(s) when in fact they may never have been monitored to evidence this, and worse, in some cases proved to fail.
The EC Guideline standard is based upon coliform and streptococci bacterial findings only, and does not include the enterovirus and salmonella pathogens listed only under the 76/160/EC Directive imperative mandatory requirements. Thus, it is possible that resorts can pass the bacterial guideline standard when they have failed the mandatory due to findings of the other far more virulent pathogens. Although the interpretation is not, the test results published on the Environment Agency Web Site are factual, and can be found on Internet by going to www.environment-agency.gov.uk On the homepage click on 'What's in Your Backyard'. Next click on 'Find Your Environment' and input your postcode, town, city or village in the space provided. A map of your area will then appear with Bathing Water and four other definitions listed. If you now highlight 'What's on that Map' and 'Query Layer' for Bathing Water. Click on the Bathing Water 'spot', it will bring up the annual Quality Classifications. If you then click on the year required all data you require for all tests will be given for that year. The guideline standard is a standard that 'the authorities should strive to meet', but is not legally required like the imperative mandatory. Enteroviruses and salmonella do not appear, but no more than four samples in the year (80%) must exceed 500 Total Coliforms per 100ml, 100 Faecal Coliforms per 100ml or 100 Faecal Streptococci per 100ml. Those that do pass are classed as 'excellent', so if 16 or more excellents' appear in a given year, the guideline standard has been accomplished, but maybe not the mandatory!
To pass the 76/160/EC BWD mandatory standard, there must be no more than 10,000 Total Coliforms per 100ml, no more than 2,000 Faecal Coliforms per 100ml in more than one sample throughout the year in question. Thus one sample failing of the twenty tests normally made in any one year will allow a narrow) pass. Two or more failing the coliform limits indicate a failure. Additional to the coliforms there must be no enteroviruses or salmonella whatsoever. If a dash '-' is in the column(s) for these, no samples have been taken, so the status is unknown, and cannot be proved to pass, or fail. If a zero '0' is present, it was tested then and found absent. If all tests were made and comply, the resort passes. If a one '1' (or more) is seen in either the enteroviruses or salmonella column, then they have been found to be present, and the resort fails the mandatory standard. A 'poor' rating is only given when the coliforms exceed the limit. That far worse pathogens such as enteroviruses or salmonella may be present is ignored, much to the danger of the user!
The results of findings for the previous year decide the following years conformity status. Thus, by the study of these, you will be able to calculate the conformity of any UK resort to the standards. You will also be able to see the new incoming results from May 2004 onward by studying the Environmental Agency web-page for the findings.
With the discrepancies abounding under the old 1975 76/160/EC Bathing Water Directive, it became obvious that a new Directive without escape clauses was necessary, as loopholes readily used by first the UK, later taken up by other administrations, meant that health protection and meaningful information were no longer being addressed under the 1975 76/160/EC Bathing Water Directive. As requested by the EC in the consultative process, MARINET, the North Sea Action Group, Surfers Against Sewage and the Marine Conservation Society provided their ideas and ideals on this. For the past three years Dr.Caroline Lucas MEP has been avidly fighting in the European Parliament to have our main points included. A proposed draft of the new Directive was adopted as a formal common position in December 2004. This will now to go the European Parliament for its second reading in the Spring of this year. The text of this can be seen here.
The document is very much of a much simplified compromise, doing away with the different mandatory and guideline compliance levels as before. We have serious concerns in that many of the points for inclusion made throughout our submissions have been omitted. The bad news is that the frequency of monitoring is to be reduced, salmonella and enterovirus have been left out of the parameters to be included, and recreational waters such as those used by water skiers, surfers and the like are not to be included. But the good news is that factual information to the vulnerable public has to be given, and that the assessment to be given in terms of rather over-simplified 'Excellent', 'Good' and 'Poor' quality may be seen by the public as possibly being more meaningful.
Rather than relating to the original concentrations of coliforms per 100ml of bathing water and the other pathogens as before, new methods of bacterial assessment are to be employed to provide a single standard rating. Although at first sight this methodology appears to be inferior to the standards of the previous Directive, it does in fact produce a more meaningful understanding in that it appears not to be easily 'misinterpreted' (a polite word for fiddled' ) as was the earlier 76/160/EC BWD.
DEFRA have performed an assessment as to how each and every one of Britain's resorts relate to the 'Excellent', 'Good' and 'Poor' status in the two forms that will be proposed to the coming European Parliament session. Using the Environment Agency 2002 findings, we see that in England and Wales, 285 bathing waters were in the 'excellent' category, 88 'good' with 110 found to be 'poor'. If the three year 2000-2002 data is used, then we see 214 as 'excellent', 120 'good' and 151 'poor'. Whilst not providing the ideal standard indication as would have been provided by the application of the rulings of the original Directive, they do at least show a more meaningful indication than false previous claims of compliance assessment as hitherto provided as misleading propaganda.
Thus, this may be the last listing that you see of the factual compliances, as the new Directive may be in force next year, and hopefully will be open and meaningful.
The author acknowledges and gives thanks to Hugh Rout of King's Lynn and West Norfolk Friends of the Earth for spending many days painstakingly seeking and tabulating the results of bathing water analyses from the Environment Agencies Water Register Database. The provision of the detailed analysis on the Environment Agency web site is acknowledged and appreciated in this search to provide the true 76/160/EEC Bathing Water Directive compliance for each bathing resort in the United Kingdom.