Bathers urged to check water quality this summer

Andrew Raine says more than 7,000 samples will be taken from bathing spots across England

The Environment Agency (EA) is urging bathers to check water quality before taking a dip in rivers and beaches this summer.

The agency is taking samples from 451 bathing waters throughout England between 15 May and 30 September - on the lookout for levels of two particular types of bacteria.

Samples will be taken from 43 bathing spots in the east, including The Wash in Norfolk, West Mersea in Essex, the Stour estuary and River Deben in Waldringfield, Suffolk, and the River Cam in Cambridge.

Andrew Raine, the agency's area environment manager, said: "I'm very keen that we improve further our water quality both in rivers and in bathing waters."

He said more than 7,000 water samples were taken each year, with the majority in the east rated excellent.

According to the EA, anything with above 1,000 colonies per 100ml is of poor quality.

Speaking in Sheringham, Norfolk, he said: "In England, 92% of our bathing waters are above the guidelines set by the World Health Organization for safe bathing water swimming."

In the East of England, people are advised against bathing in Heacham, in Norfolk, Clacton, in Essex, and at Sheep's Green on the River Cam in Cambridge

Scientists test for two types of bacteria - E-coli and intestinal enterococci - which can be harmful in large quantities to humans.

Samples are taken from 30cm (12in) below the water surface in bathing areas, with the results published within two to five days.

In Sheringham the water quality has been rated as excellent in samples taken between 2021 and 2024. So far this year, 15 samples have been collected from this location.

However, the agency advises against swimming in three areas in the east: Heacham in Norfolk, Clacton in Essex, and at Sheep's Green on the Cam in Cambridge.

Sheep's Green was one of 27 sites in England to receive designated bathing water status in May 2024 but is rated as having poor water quality.

Mr Raine added: "I wouldn't advise swimming after a heavy downpour as you'll see lots of urban run-off from streets and pavements, you'll see run-off from agricultural land and you also could potentially get sewage spills.

"Water companies have done huge investments over the past few years to make sure that most of the sites around our coast have ultra violet filtration and treatment so that kills 99% of the bacteria.

"If bacteria has got into the water, it can still have an impact."

He said people should also consider if the beach they are visiting has Blue Flag status.

• You can check bathing water quality on the Environment Agency's Swimfo website