Wales again secured high-quality results in 2023 with 98% of
designated bathing waters meeting our stringent environmental
standards.
80 of our 109 bathing waters achieved the highest classification
of ‘excellent’.
An ‘excellent’ classification is one of the essential criteria
for obtaining a Blue Flag accreditation, one of the world’s most
recognised voluntary eco-labels.
Two beaches at Tenby North and Aberdyfi have moved up from ‘good’
to ‘excellent’ classifications, making them eligible to apply for
the coveted Blue Flag status.
Climate Change Minister, , said: “Wales is recognised
internationally as having some of the best beaches and water
quality in Europe, and high bathing water quality is vital to
continue supporting valuable outdoor water recreation
opportunities.
“We will continue to work with local communities and water
companies to identify what action is needed to meet and exceed
the required standards.”
Thanks to collaborative working between Denbighshire County
Council, Natural Resources Wales and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, the
water quality issues that led to last year’s poor result at
Marine Lake were identified and swiftly addressed. This has
yielded the desired effects and Marine Lake is now meeting our
high standards set for bathing water quality.
, Chief Executive of Natural
Resources Wales, said: “We are entirely committed to protecting
and improving the quality of our coastal waters and rivers for
people and nature, and each year, a tremendous amount of unseen
work takes place to tackle sources of pollution across the
country.
“While we celebrate our spectacular coastline and world-class
beaches, we know that now is a pivotal time for change, not
complacency.
“There is still much work to be done to safeguard our bathing
waters. The only way to get our water quality to the state we
want is to recognise that everyone has a role to play. We must
all raise our game now and strive to achieve the waters we want
for ourselves and for future generations.”
Bathing water quality reporting is highly perceptible to climatic
changes, in particular, periods of heavy rainfall and with our
changing climate, we must be prepared to deal with impacts of
longer, heavier bouts of rain on a regular basis.
Wales already receives more rainfall on average than other parts
of the UK and this year was no exception.
In July, Wales received 191% of its long-term average rainfall
and was followed by 125% during August and September.
Last year, over the same period, Wales experienced the driest
seven-month period in 150 years.
It is disappointing that our two newly designated bathing waters
received poor classifications. Natural Resources Wales is working
with stakeholders to investigate the causes with a view to
identifying where improvements can be made.
The Minister added: “We know that improvements can take time, but
even the smallest steps can help to protect and strengthen our
water quality in Wales.
“While progress has been made, there is still much more to be
done to ensure cleaner and healthier waters for people to enjoy.”
