Water quality on the East Coast has seen a significant improvement

The Environment Agency (EA) has reported a significant improvement in water quality along the East of England's coastline over the past two decades. According to the latest assessments, all 35 sites tested in the region now meet the minimum standards for safe bathing.

Notable areas showing progress include Heacham, Wells-next-the-Sea, Hunstanton Main, and Caister-on-Sea in Norfolk, as well as Holland-on-Sea, Manningtree, and Jaywick in Essex.

Andrew Raine, EA water manager, assured swimmers that the improvements mean coastal waters are generally safe. However, campaign group Surfers Against Sewage has called for more frequent monitoring, warning that current results may not fully reflect real conditions.

Sandra Chant, enjoying the sea at Sheringham, Norfolk, noted that occasional brown water is caused by stirred-up sand rather than pollution. She explained, "After rainfall, natural runoff can cause temporary brown water, but tides quickly clear it."

Sally King, another Sheringham visitor, added that water often appears strikingly clear, saying, "Sometimes it's brilliantly blue or green. Years ago, water quality in North Norfolk was much worse."

Raine emphasized that weekly testing focuses on popular swimming areas and locations with known issues, such as Heacham. "Public perception may lag behind reality, but water quality in East Anglia has improved dramatically over 20 years," he said. "We continue to urge water companies, farmers, and industries to maintain these standards."

Despite progress, Kirsty Davies from Surfers Against Sewage criticized current testing methods, arguing that weekly sampling for a limited set of pollutants during part of the year does not provide a complete picture of water safety.

Overall, the EA maintains that most East Anglia seas and rivers now offer good-quality water for recreational use, marking a major environmental success for the region.

Author: Grace Ellison