Bathing waters across the South West remain among the cleanest in England, with 96.2% now classified as Excellent or Good in the latest annual bathing water assessments published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
The region also continues to perform strongly at a national level. South West Water has maintained 100% bathing water compliance for the fifth consecutive year* and is ranked as the second-best performer in England for sustained and improving bathing water quality.
Thirteen sites across Devon and Cornwall have improved their classifications this year following extensive testing by the Environment Agency. These locations are:
- Sandy Bay
- Dittisham
- Millendreath
- Par Sands
- Porthluney
- Swanpool
- Maenporth
- Marazion
- Penzance
- Wherry Town
- Porthkidney Sands
- Ilfracombe Hele
- Polkerris
The improvements come as South West Water continues to deliver a £760 million investment programme aimed at improving water quality and reducing the use of storm overflows over the next five years.
The company notes that while agriculture, wildlife and climate-related weather patterns remain influential factors affecting water quality, it is prioritising areas where operational changes can deliver the greatest positive impact.
Richard Price, Managing Director of Wastewater Services at South West Water, said:
“We have some of the very best bathing waters in Europe here in the South West and we’re really pleased to see more beaches improving and 96.2% now rated Excellent or Good.
We know a range of factors contribute to water quality, but we’re playing our part and more with a record-breaking £760 million investment to reduce the use of storm overflows and strengthen our wastewater network. Bathing water quality is a major priority for us.”
*This figure excludes newly designated bathing waters added by Defra last year. South West Water says it is investigating these sites to understand the factors affecting water quality, with overflow improvements planned before 2028 as part of its current investment programme.*
