Water quality 2010   for the Bournemouth area Close page

The DEFRA Bathing Water Directive classifies the water quality on beaches as Fail, Good or Excellent.
  01/06 10/06 18/06 22/06 06/07 26/07        
Alum Chine Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent        
Durley Chine Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent        
Bournemouth Pier Good Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent        
Boscombe Pier Good Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent        
Fishermans Walk Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent        
Southbourne Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent        
Hengistbury West Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent        
How are these results measured?

The tests are done to check compliance with standards set in the Bathing Water Directive.The Directive sets limits for a number of substances, and all countries in the European Union have to ensure their popular beaches meet these standards.

Excellent Water quality in the sample met the Directive’s most stringent Guideline standards
Good Water quality in the sample met the Directive’s main Mandatory standards
Fail Water quality in the sample failed to meet the main Mandatory standards
NT Not tested

To find out how water quality is tested contact the Regional Office of the Environment Agency at Rivers House, Sunrise Business Park, Blandford Forum, Dorset. Or visit the Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk