Bathing water quality results have been announced in North Somerset following the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ 2019 bathing water quality classifications.

The report reveals that Weston Main Beach has improved to sufficient.  This means that three out of the four bathing waters in North Somerset – Weston Main Beach, Sand Bay and Clevedon – now meet the stringent bathing water standards.

However, Uphill Slipway has been classified as poor.  The water quality in this bathing water does tend to fluctuate due to its proximity to the River Axe. Uphill is affected by the river and quality can deteriorate because there is a strong seasonality in pollution levels, especially following periods of heavy rain which affects the quality of both the river and bathing water. The source of this will be investigated further in 2020.

Councillor Mike Bell, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Weston Central Ward said: “I am pleased that the quality of bathing water for Weston Main Beach has improved. This follows 12 months of joint working with our partners, including the Environment Agency, Wessex Water and local landowners.”

The bathing water results are announced annually and are based on a variety of samples taken by the Environment Agency in the summer season. Readings can vary depending on a number of factors including the weather, pollution from agricultural and urban sources and storm water overflows. The readings then determine the annual classification for that water.

To help keep bathing waters clean you should:

• always put litter in the bin or take it away with you to dispose of at home
• check that your drains aren’t misconnected, sending dirty water from toilets, showers and dishwashers into the wrong pipes and into rivers and the sea – use a ConnectRight accredited plumber
• never flush wet wipes, cotton buds and sanitary items
• never pour fats, oils and grease down drains – these can pollute rivers and coastal waters and can set hard in pipes which causes blockages.