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The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) today published its 2003 Bathing Waters Monitoring Report, showing the best ever results for Scotland’s identified bathing waters. During the 2003 bathing season that ended in September, 95% of waters (57 out of 60) met the required European standards. The results for other monitored waters also show an overall trend of improving results, and in 2003, 91% of them (48 of 53) met these standards.
The good results are primarily the result of continuing work to improve sewage effluents and to reduce diffuse sources of pollution. The relatively dry summer weather also had a positive influence on the overall outcome by limiting problems from storm sewer overflows and land run-off.
Developments for 2004
In relation to the future, the Report points out that many remaining problems are animal related, and SEPA is continuing to work with the Scottish Executive, farming industries and others to minimise these sources of pollution.
SEPA is also currently reviewing it’s sampling of water quality at other sites monitored. These other waters have been sampled for a variety of reasons such as providing environmental data to demonstrate that sewage treatment or improvements are needed and some monitoring of these sites may no longer be required. A review of these is currently underway and a decision on whether any should no longer be sampled is expected in 2004.
Also being considered at the moment is an offer from the EC to reduce sampling frequency at a number of sites. SEPA intends to consult with Local Authorities and other interested parties on whether any sites identified are suitable for a reduced sampling strategy. Again, final decisions about these sites will be notified before the start of the 2004 bathing waters season.
ENDS
NOTES & LINKS:
Notes to editors
• The Bathing Waters report 2003 is available on the SEPA website, here, by e-mailing publications@sepa.org.uk or by calling any SEPA office.
• The Bathing water season runs from June to mid September each year. Further information on bathing waters is available from SEPA’s` website, www.sepa.org.uk/data/bathingwaters/2003bathingseason
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