East Riding beaches receive improved water quality ratings
Five out of nine beaches now rated ‘Excellent’ by the Environment Agency
All bathing waters in the East Riding of Yorkshire have been rated as ‘Sufficient’ or better by the Environment Agency, with five of them now classified as ‘Excellent’.
Water quality results show improvements at Bridlington South, which has moved from ‘Poor’ to ‘Sufficient’, and Flamborough South, which has risen from ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’.
The improvements come after focused efforts by the Yorkshire Bathing Water Partnership, made up of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Yorkshire Water, and the Environment Agency. The partnership has invested in operations and worked with locals to identify and reduce pollution impacting the bathing waters.
Councillor Barbara Jefferson, the council’s cabinet member for heritage and coastal, said she was “delighted” with the results, adding: “To have seven of our nine beaches achieving either ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ results is outstanding and proves just what a marvellous, clean, safe and attractive coastline we have here in the East Riding.”
Miles Cameron, bathing water manager at Yorkshire Water, explained that further improvements are planned, including upgrades to Bridlington wastewater treatment works and storm overflow systems over the next four years.
Earlier this year, several East Riding beaches were also awarded Blue Flags or Seaside Awards. Hornsea and Withernsea achieved Blue Flag status, while Bridlington North, South Landing, and Wilsthorpe received Seaside Awards.
Efforts to improve water quality are expected to continue, helping both residents and visitors to enjoy East Riding’s coastline.