The Deputy Minister for Environment & Rural Development, Lewis Macdonald MSP, has requested that Clean Coast Scotland establish and manage a panel to determine future bathing water identifications under the Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EC.

There are currently 60 designated bathing waters in Scotland. These bathing waters are monitored to protect the health of those who go in the water by ensuring that the quality of waters where bathing takes place in large numbers is protected.  Past bathing water results for designated waters are available from the SEPA website (www.sepa.org.uk).

The criteria, which the panel will consider, were determined as a result of a Bathing Water Identification Strategy consultation carried out in 2004.  For the consultation paper and summary of results, click here . The Minister has confirmed that only beaches with at least 150 users per day at peak times will be considered for designation and applications need to show evidence of proper beach management and the support of the beach owner/operator.

For further information about how your local beach could become designated, the resulting implications and the application procedure please contact Suzanne Roberts at Clean Coast Scotland on 01786 468236 or e-mail Suzanne.Roberts@ksbscotland.org.uk.