Water quality at Barton, Calshot, Milford and Lepe beaches rated ‘excellent’ by the Environment Agency

THE water quality at beaches across the New Forest district have been rated as ‘excellent’ by the Environment Agency.

At intervals from May to September, the organisation takes water samples at sites which are then analysed against the standards in the European Bathing Water Directive.

These are strict bacteriological standards that if breached would indicate possible sewage contamination.

Results show NFDC-managed Barton, Calshot and Milford are ‘excellent’.

Lepe beach, which is managed by Hampshire County Council, was also awarded an ‘excellent’ rating.

All the beaches are designated bathing waters, where the public are welcome to use them for recreational water activities.

Every May signs are put up at the beaches to display water quality information and QR codes linking to the latest sample results.

The signs also direct visitors to the Southern Water Beachbuoy site, which provides details about possible sewage overflows caused by heavy rainfall.

The district council’s cabinet member for communities, safety, and wellbeing, Cllr Dan Poole, said: “Being awarded an excellent water quality rating by the Environment Agency is great news for our council.

“It’s incredibly reassuring to know that our residents and visitors can feel safe and have peace of mind while enjoying the many benefits of spending time in and around our designated bathing waters, especially during the current summer holidays.”

NFDC’s environmental health technical officer, Fiona Freeman, added: “I’m a regular sea swimmer at Milford-on-Sea and know first-hand the many benefits that this activity can bring, both for physical and mental health.

“I feel lucky to have access to beaches that are not only local but recognised for their excellent water quality rating, which brings additional peace of mind.”