England's beaches and lakes are cleaner than ever but how will they fare against new EU standards?

As outdoor swimming season officially kicks off, English beaches are under the microscope once again.

Last year, 99.5% of swimming spots passed water quality tests compared to just 65% in 1988.

However, from now until September new EU standards will be put into place that will be twice as tough as before. The scheme is part of an EU effort to drastically improve water standards across Europe.

The Environment Agency will carry out its annual water quality test programme at more than 400 beaches and lakes with the results available to beach goers in close to real-time on this new website. 

As part of the new EU standards from 2016, local councils will have to display signs at all bathing waters showing if the water has passed quality checks and whether swimming is advised.

This could have an impact on tourism spots if water companies, farmers, local authorities and householders don't pull together to continue to take action, reduce pollution and improve water quality.

Under the new standards, many well-loved beaches are at risk of being classed as poor quality. These include Margate, Ilfracombe and Blackpool as well as Lyme Regis.

Ed Mitchell, Executive Director of Environment and Business at the Environment Agency, said: 'Water quality at English beaches is better than it’s ever been after it reached record levels last year, and we are working hard with others to improve it further still. Good bathing water quality is essential for people’s health, local tourism and economic growth, and everyone can play their part.'
 
Since 1990, water companies have spent £2 billion on improvements to protect bathing waters with a further £350 million pledged over the next five years. The EA predicts that 6,000kms of rivers and 50 bathing waters will be improved.
 
 
 
 

Ed Mitchell, Executive Director of Environment and Business at the Environment Agency, said: 'Water quality at English beaches is better than it’s ever been after it reached record levels last year, and we are working hard with others to improve it further still. Good bathing water quality is essential for people’s health, local tourism and economic growth, and everyone can play their part.'