Scotland’s bathing water quality continues to improve with 38 out of 87 (44%) rated as ‘excellent’ for 2023.
This is the highest number ever and highlights sustained improvements in bathing water quality, achieved through partnership projects.
Overall bathing water quality has seen ongoing improvements since 2015, when tighter standards first came into force.
- 98% of Scotland’s bathing waters pass environmental standards:
- 38 (44%) of bathing waters will be rated ‘excellent’ for 2023 – the highest since tighter standards first came into force in 2015.
- 47 (54%) will achieve ‘good’ or ‘sufficient’ status for 2023
- Two (2%) will have ‘poor’ status for 2023
- Previous projects to improve water quality are now showing sustained improvements across Scotland.
- Ayr (South Beach) maintains ‘good’ status following significant improvements over many years.
- Management plans at Dhoon Bay improved water quality in 2022.
- Projects are in development for the two ‘poor’ Fife beaches to improve water quality
- Farmers and land managers have continued to show good compliance with environmental regulations.
- Targeted investments by Scottish Water have helped to reduce risks and improve water quality.
Since 2015, 15 bathing waters have improved their classification from ‘poor’ to ‘sufficient’ or better. This is testament to the on-going partnership working taking place to drive forward water quality in Scotland. Whilst next year two bathing waters will have a ‘poor’ classification, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) intends to drive the same improvements that have successfully been achieved at other sites.
