Question reference: S6W-10889
- Asked by: Mercedes Villalba, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 6 September 2022
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Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 20 September 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the safety of designated bathing waters in response to the reported findings by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) that 49 of 87 designated bathing waters in Scotland have recorded levels of sewage contamination beyond safe limits since May 2022.
Answer
The Scottish Government is committed to reducing water pollution at beaches across Scotland.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is responsible for protecting and improving water quality at Scotland’s 87 designated Bathing Waters. This bathing water season Scotland has more bathing waters rated as ‘excellent’, ‘good’ or ‘sufficient’ than at any point since tighter bathing water standards first came into force in 2015. Last year, 99% of designated bathing waters achieved the bathing water quality standards.
SEPA has analysed 1,297 water quality samples from 87 designated Bathing Waters this season and 93% were found to be at safe levels. Short term fluctuations in water quality do though occur following heavy rainfall – causing sewer overflows, agricultural run-off from land, and surface water discharges from roads, car parks, and pavements etc., which are all sources of bacteria.
SEPA investigates poor water quality results and works with partners to reduce “short-term pollution” after heavy rainfall. Bathers are also advised on its website or electronic beach signs at 29 Bathing Waters if the water quality is predicted to be poor so they can make an informed choice before entering the water.
To help address the impact of sewer overflows, Scottish Water is investing up to £70m in 1000 new Combined Sewer Overflow event monitors across Scotland, including those at designated Bathing Wates, by December 2024. This spill monitoring information will be used to inform and prioritise investment to improve bathing water quality as well as informing the public.