IN its second annual report on water quality performance during the first 10 weeks of the bathing season, the Marine Conservation Society says standards remained excellent at Coryton Cove, Dawlish Town and Dawlish Warren beaches. The exceptionally hot and dry weather in many parts of the UK during June and July saw relatively little storm pollution enter the sea, and water quality consequently remained high in weekly tests. In total, 93.5 per cent (487) of UK beaches monitored for water quality during the first half of the bathing season returned excellent results, and are presently set to meet the European Guideline standard. Only six per cent (31) of beaches have fallen below the guideline and are accorded a basic pass by MCS, and just 0.5 per cent (two) have failed the European Mandatory standard (the legal minimum) for the season. MCS coastal pollution officer Thomas Bell said: 'It's a repeat of last year. MCS has again concluded that about nine out of 10 UK beaches had excellent water quality up to the beginning of August. 'The risk to bathers' health from sewage contamination was, therefore, generally low, and we see this as great news for both the marine environment and the huge numbers of UK beach visitors. As usual, MCS urges swimmers to be aware of possible pollution after severe rain or flooding, and where pollution occurs to wait at least 24 hours after the rain stops before entering the sea.' This mid-season health check is derived from no fewer than 10 water quality samples from each of 520 official UK bathing beaches. The results are published on the MCS Good Beach Guide website – http://www.goodbeachguide.co.uk">www.goodbeachguide.co.uk. The relevant authorities collected bathing water quality monitoring data from May 2 to July 22 in England and Wales. Water quality continues to be sampled until September 30.
