Figures find fewer British beaches bathable

Beaches in England greet swimmers with water not as clean as two years ago. Since 2006, the percentage of safe water bodies has decreased from 99 to 97 percent.

European standards remain some of the most stringent across the globe, however Dr Paul Leinster, chief executive of the Environment Agency, told the Telegraph, “Bathing water quality around the coast of England and Wales has improved dramatically over the past 20 years, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Changing weather conditions are presenting new challenges …”

Authorities explain that the current water pollution comes from heavy summer rains and increased effluent run-off from farms — a problem common across the globe, from India to California.

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Source: The Telegraph