News & Events

Over the last 20 years we’ve made huge progress in making our beaches and bathing waters cleaner.
In 1988 only 18% of our bathing waters met minimum standards, in 2016 this was 100%.
Below is information on how we got there and how we’ll keep it that way…

Scooper heroes!

Barkdale Dog Grooming and Spa is a business in Hillside, Southport, doing everything they can to support our campaign. They spread the message to their clients on the importance of caring for our beaches and bathing waters. They offer advice on beach etiquette whilst walking dogs, the importance of clearing up after dogs and bin drop points on the wonderful walks in Formby and the Southport areas. They have also been giving out lots of free poo bags to encourage people to pick up after their dogs!

Laura Wright from Barkdale said: “We heard about the LOVEmyBEACH campaign earlier this year and have been fully supportive of it ever since. In the Sefton area, we are so fortunate to have the beach and dunes on our doorstep, not only to have the benefits of the beautiful views but the amazing dog walks that run for miles through stunning settings. Every day, we walk dogs on Sefton’s beaches, much like our clients do. Our favourite thing about our coast is watching the seasonal changes that occur. No walk is ever the same. You can walk the miles of coast and see migrating birds in the winter, the endangered Natterjack toads growing through the spring, the holiday makers embracing the rare summer sunshine and the crisp first footsteps on the dunes in the winter. All on our doorstep. That’s why it’s so important that we all show our support. We each have to take responsibility for keeping our beaches clean and safe to enjoy now and in the future. Barkdale Dog Grooming and Spa encourages everyone to… LOVEmyBEACH.”

United Utilities improvements

United Utilities’ business plan for 2015 to 2020 includes a £3.8bn package of improvements for the region’s water and sewerage infrastructure, which is good news for North West beaches.

Steve Mogford, Chief Executive Officer, said “We’re building on nearly 25 years of investment since privatisation which has delivered real improvements in tap water quality and the environment. Our focus is shifting over the next five years more on wastewater improvements which, through the work with our partners, is good news for bathing waters and North West tourism.”

You can read the full story on the United Utilities website.

We still need your help to improve bathing waters – please visit the ‘What can I do?’ section to find out how you can help!

Business pack

We have put together a business pack full of information and ideas about how your business can operate in a beach friendly way and spread the LOVEmyBEACH message. Simple steps such as disposing of kitchen fats in the bin rather than down the sink, or putting stickers on your toilets asking people to put disposable products in the bin and not the toilet, can all help make a difference. All you need to do is complete the checklist online here or return to us by email enquiries@lovemybeach.org please. To say thanks we’ll send you a window sticker and certificate to proudly display so everyone knows you’re a LOVEmyBEACH business.

Download the Business pack (1111 downloads) and become a LOVEmyBEACH business today.

Pic of window sticker for LOVEmyBEACH businesses

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Water quality

The Environment Agency monitors bathing waters – stretches of sea or lake where many people swim and paddle – to assess whether they meet the strict standards of the European Bathing Water Directive. The standards are set to protect public health and the environment from pollution.

The Environment Agency takes 20 water samples at each bathing water between May and September each year and post the information online: http://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/

The samples are tested for certain types of bacteria: escherichia coli (E.coli) and intestinal enterococci, which are not directly harmful but indicate the presence of pollution. The bacteria are found in the intestines of animals and humans and pass through the body in poo. High levels of bacteria = poor water quality.

However, the water may be cleaner on the actual day you visit the beach, as the quality can change, particularly after heavy rain washes pollution into rivers and the sea. Look out for daily forecasts at some beaches.

Each beach is also given an annual classification. From 2015 this is based on sample results over the previous four years, e.g. 2015 results use data from 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. 2016 results use data from 2013 to 2016 and so on. The classifications are:

Excellent

The standard is the highest, cleanest class

Good

Generally good water quality

Sufficient

The water meets the minimum standards

Poor

Bathing is not advised at this beach as water quality has not met sufficient standards

If a bathing water is classed as Poor, you are advised not to bathe because samples taken over the previous four years have been affected by pollution. This does not mean the beach is closed – you can still enjoy everything the beach has to offer.

If a water sample has high levels of bacteria, analysis is done to estimate* the sources of pollution and work is planned in the area to improve water quality. When this work is significant and is expected to help improve bathing water quality, the four years of data for the annual classification starts from the time the work is completed and sample data from before the work are not included. This is called step change.

*Estimates are based on computer modelling, DNA analysis, and knowledge of the local area. The estimates can never be perfect because pollution to bathing waters changes from day to day depending on the season, the tides and the weather.