South West water spots tested for quality

Popular coastal bathing areas in the South West are about to be tested for the quality of their waters.

The Environment Agency is sampling water at 191 designated bathing areas specified by the European Commission (EC).

Areas in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset will be tested for different types of bacteria resulting from sewage that could pose a risk to the health of people swimming in the water.

Samples will be analysed at the Environment Agency’s Laboratories and measured against criteria set down by the EC.

Beach users will be able to check out the quality of the bathing waters they use this summer on the  Environment Agency’s website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk