South West Bathing Waters Rated Among the Cleanest in England

Bathing waters across the South West remain among the cleanest in the country, with 96.2 per cent now classified as Excellent or Good in Defra’s latest annual assessments. The region also stands out nationally, with South West Water ranked as the second-best performer in England for maintaining and improving bathing water quality, achieving 100% bathing water compliance for the 5th consecutive year.

Improvements Across Devon and Cornwall

This year, 13 bathing water sites across Devon and Cornwall have improved their ratings following extensive testing by the Environment Agency. The sites seeing higher classifications are Sandy Bay, Dittisham, Millendreath, Par Sands, Porthluney, Swanpool, Maenporth, Marazion, Penzance, Wherry Town, Porthkidney Sands, Ilfracombe Hele and Polkerris.

These improvements come as South West Water continues to deliver a £760 million investment programme to improve water quality and reduce the use of storm overflows over the next five years.

South West Water Responds

Richard Price, Managing Director of Wastewater Services, 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.”

South West Water adds that while agriculture, wildlife and climate driven weather patterns continue to affect water quality, the company is focusing on the areas where it can make the biggest positive differences. Newly designated bathing waters from last year are being investigated to establish what is impacting their quality, and all overflows affecting these areas are set to be improved before 2028 as part of the ongoing investment.