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03/05/2012
Wet Summer Sinks Standards Of Scottish Bathing Beaches
The Marine Conservation Society has recommended fewer bathing beaches in Scotland in its latest Good Beach Guide.
The number of beaches in Scotland recommended for their excellent bathing water quality in the annual Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Beach Guide has dropped in the last year, putting Scotland behind the rest of the UK.
While the rest of the UK has had one of the best years on record for bathing water quality, at Scottish beaches standards have declined. Just 45 out of 110 (41%) beaches tested last summer, are recommended by MCS for excellent water quality – that’s 5% less than 2011 which was one of Scotland’s best years in the Guide.
Calum Duncan, MCS Scotland Programme Manager, says that water quality at Scotland's beaches was almost certainly impacted by heavy summer rains and above average rainfall in many areas.
"Intense rainfall increases surface water run-off – which contains livestock waste and dog faeces from farm land and city streets – and can cause untreated sewage to discharge from combined sewer overflows (CSO's), both of which can have public health implications for Scotland's coastal waters.
"But it's not all bad news, after being designated as an official bathing water at the beginning of last summer, MCS is pleased to be able to recommend Monifieth, in Angus, for excellent water quality in this years Good Beach Guide."
Overall the number of UK beaches recommended for excellent bathing water quality is the highest in the Guide’s 25 year history. 516 out of 754 (68%) beaches tested last summer reached the required standard, that’s 8% more than last year.
(CD/GK)
The number of beaches in Scotland recommended for their excellent bathing water quality in the annual Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Beach Guide has dropped in the last year, putting Scotland behind the rest of the UK.
While the rest of the UK has had one of the best years on record for bathing water quality, at Scottish beaches standards have declined. Just 45 out of 110 (41%) beaches tested last summer, are recommended by MCS for excellent water quality – that’s 5% less than 2011 which was one of Scotland’s best years in the Guide.
Calum Duncan, MCS Scotland Programme Manager, says that water quality at Scotland's beaches was almost certainly impacted by heavy summer rains and above average rainfall in many areas.
"Intense rainfall increases surface water run-off – which contains livestock waste and dog faeces from farm land and city streets – and can cause untreated sewage to discharge from combined sewer overflows (CSO's), both of which can have public health implications for Scotland's coastal waters.
"But it's not all bad news, after being designated as an official bathing water at the beginning of last summer, MCS is pleased to be able to recommend Monifieth, in Angus, for excellent water quality in this years Good Beach Guide."
Overall the number of UK beaches recommended for excellent bathing water quality is the highest in the Guide’s 25 year history. 516 out of 754 (68%) beaches tested last summer reached the required standard, that’s 8% more than last year.
(CD/GK)
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15 April 2014
Record Number Of UK Beaches Awarded For 'Excellent' Water Quality
A record number of UK beaches have received awards for water quality, in the annual Good Beach Guide. The water quality at 73% of the UK's beaches have been classed as "excellent" by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), who say that the driest summer since 2003 caused less pollution to filter down from town and cities in to coastal waters.
Record Number Of UK Beaches Awarded For 'Excellent' Water Quality
A record number of UK beaches have received awards for water quality, in the annual Good Beach Guide. The water quality at 73% of the UK's beaches have been classed as "excellent" by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), who say that the driest summer since 2003 caused less pollution to filter down from town and cities in to coastal waters.
20 August 2004
Summer rains could pose health risk to bathers: warning
This summer’s heavy storms could lead to sewage discharges from overwhelmed drainage infrastructure posing a potential pollution and health risk on Britain’s bathing beaches, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has warned.
Summer rains could pose health risk to bathers: warning
This summer’s heavy storms could lead to sewage discharges from overwhelmed drainage infrastructure posing a potential pollution and health risk on Britain’s bathing beaches, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has warned.
24 August 2007
Beach Guide Reports 1 In 8 Hit By Pollution
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has reported that water quality at 85% of the UK’s bathing beaches as of a ‘Good Standard’ following a mid-summer analysis of water quality data from 553 bathing sites.
Beach Guide Reports 1 In 8 Hit By Pollution
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has reported that water quality at 85% of the UK’s bathing beaches as of a ‘Good Standard’ following a mid-summer analysis of water quality data from 553 bathing sites.
12 May 2008
Two Injured During Alleged 'Tombstoning' Incidents
During the hottest weekend of the year, which saw crowds pack out beaches throughout the UK, two men have received serious injuries following apparent 'tombstoning' incidents. On Saturday a 20-year-old student, from Plymouth, was seriously hurt after plunging 30ft from a pier in Southsea, Hants into shallow water.
Two Injured During Alleged 'Tombstoning' Incidents
During the hottest weekend of the year, which saw crowds pack out beaches throughout the UK, two men have received serious injuries following apparent 'tombstoning' incidents. On Saturday a 20-year-old student, from Plymouth, was seriously hurt after plunging 30ft from a pier in Southsea, Hants into shallow water.
31 July 2007
Tap Water Restored To More Flood-Hit Homes
Mains water supplies have now been restored to more than 70,000 homes in the flood-hit Gloucester area. Severn Trent Water said that the programme of re-filling more than 1,200 miles of water pipes is continuing to make steady progress.
Tap Water Restored To More Flood-Hit Homes
Mains water supplies have now been restored to more than 70,000 homes in the flood-hit Gloucester area. Severn Trent Water said that the programme of re-filling more than 1,200 miles of water pipes is continuing to make steady progress.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
