Lancashire Environment 2002
Bathing Water Quality
The 2001 bathing water quality results were the best ever in Lancashire with all eleven beaches complying with the European Imperative standard.
This represents a remarkable turnaround from results in 1988,1990, 1991 and 1992 when all the beaches failed, and even 2000 when nearly 40% failed.
The cleanliness of the sea in Lancashire's coastal resorts has been a long-standing issue. Coastal tourism makes a major contribution to the economy of the county as a whole and can influence peoples' perceptions of the quality of the environment.
Bathing in polluted waters is associated with minor infections, such as inflammations of the ears, nose and throat, gastroenteritis and skin irritations.
Whilst 2001 results demonstrate an encouraging trend, many of the factors affecting bathing water quality are variable including the weather, droppings from sheep grazing on coastal and estuarine salt marshes, and sea bird droppings from fluctuating populations.There is still much work to be done to ensure continuing compliance with standards.
The 2002 results due out in the Autumn will reveal whether the improvements have been maintained.
Ultimately all the designated bathing waters should meet the higher Guideline Standard. This was achieved for the first time in Lancashire in 2001 but only at two of the eleven beaches. A review of the bathing water designations for the North West is currently being carried out which may result in more being identified in Lancashire.
What is the role of LCC and other agencies?
Lancashire County Council has led the campaigning to improve the quality of bathing beaches in the county for many years. It is an active member of the North West Bathing Water Forum and hosted the 2001 annual conference at which the best ever results were announced.
The dramatic improvements have resulted from major investments by United Utilities in the treatment of sewage prior to its discharge into the sea.
The Environment Agency is responsible for monitoring compliance with European standards, monitoring and controlling discharges to coastal waters and advising on improvements to the sewerage network. It is also leading a bid for extra funds to research into how further improvements in bathing water quality can be made.
| % per year | |||||||
| 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | |
| Compliant to Guideline Standards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Compliant to Imperative Standards | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 54 |
| Failure | 100 | 91 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 91 | 46 |
| % per year | |||||||
| 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | |
| Compliant to Guideline Standards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| Compliant to Imperative Standards | 18 | 46 | 27 | 46 | 54 | 63 | 82 |
| Failure | 82 | 54 | 73 | 54 | 46 | 37 | 0 |
Source: Environment Agency
Includes data for Blackpool Unitary Authority
Source: Data: Environment Agency
This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller
of her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction
infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Lancashire County Council Licence No. 076716 2002