Isle of Wight Scores Big with Top Coastal Water Quality Awards
The Isle of Wight is riding high after bagging ten prestigious Solent Water Quality Awards for 2016. The Council proudly announced the stunning win, highlighting the Island’s sparkling seas at ten key bathing spots.
Ten Beaches, One Clean Sweep
The awarded locations include Colwell, Cowes, Gurnard, Ryde, Sandown, Seagrove, Shanklin, St Helens, Ventnor, and Yaverland. These spots have met the tough standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC, ensuring safe, clean water for swimmers and paddlers alike.
Strict EU Rules, Spotless Results
The Solent Forum oversees the scheme, providing an easy-to-understand stamp of approval for water quality at bathing beaches. The Environment Agency monitors and publishes the water quality data online, while the Council makes sure beach visitors can access this vital info at the shore.
Local Leaders Praise Island’s Water Standards
Shirley Smart, Isle of Wight Council’s executive member for public transport, tourism, and recreation, said:
“The Isle of Wight is already known for its great beaches so it is fantastic news that we have water quality to match. This news will be a great boost ahead of the main tourist season starting from Easter. We’ve worked hard with the Environment Agency and Southern Water to keep these standards high so visitors and residents alike can enjoy our safe, clean water.”
David Thornton, chief executive of Visit Isle of Wight, added:
“The Island’s coastline is one of our greatest tourism assets and keeping it clean and safe is of the utmost importance. I am delighted the Island has been awarded ten Solent Water Quality Awards for 2016, offering excellent choices for quality bathing this summer.”
High Standards Hold Despite Tougher Rules
Karen McHugh, Solent Forum manager, commented:
“Solent water quality improvements are reflected in the 2016 awards and Isle of Wight beaches have performed well. It’s great news to see high standards despite more stringent rules introduced in 2015.”
The Council partners with the Environment Agency and Southern Water to maintain these top water quality standards year-round.
Plan Your Perfect Swim Spot
For those itching to dive in, detailed water quality info is available online at https://www.gov.uk/quality-of-local-bathing-water and on beach signs from May 2016 onwards. So, get ready to enjoy the Isle’s clean, safe, and award-winning waters this summer!
