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The Bathing Water Regulations 2013

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This is the original version (as it was originally made).

Regulation 2

SCHEDULE 1DEFINITIONS FROM THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE

“Coastal water” means surface water on the landward side of a line, every point of which is at a distance of one nautical mile on the seaward side from the nearest point of the baseline from which the breadth of territorial waters is measured(1), extending where appropriate up to the outer limit of transitional waters.

“Groundwater” means all water which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil.

“Inland water” means all standing or flowing water on the surface of the land, and all groundwater on the landward side of the baseline from which the breadth of territorial waters is measured.

“Lake” means a body of standing inland surface water.

“River” means a body of inland water flowing for the most part on the surface of the land but which may flow underground for part of its course.

“Surface water” means inland waters, except groundwater; transitional waters and coastal waters, except in respect of chemical status for which it shall also include territorial waters.

“Transitional waters” are bodies of surface water in the vicinity of river mouths which are partly saline in character as a result of their proximity to coastal waters but which are substantially influenced by freshwater flows.

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 2SURFACE WATERS IDENTIFIED IN ENGLAND AND WALES

PART 1Surface Waters in England(2)

Allonby SouthAmble LinksAnderby
Anstey’s Cove (Torquay)Askam-in-FurnessBabbacombe
Bamburgh CastleBanthamBeachlands Central
Beachlands WestBeacon CoveBeadnell
BeerBembridgeBerrow North of Unity Farm
BexhillBigbury-on-Sea NorthBigbury-on-Sea South
Birling GapBisphamBlackpool Central
Blackpool NorthBlackpool SandsBlackpool South
Blue Anchor WestBlyth South BeachBognor Regis (Aldwick)
Bognor Regis EastBotany Bay (Broadstairs)Bournemouth Alum Chine
Bournemouth Boscombe PierBournemouth Durley ChineBournemouth Fisherman’s Walk
Bournemouth Hengistbury WestBournemouth PierBournemouth Southbourne
BovisandBowleaze CoveBracklesham Bay
Breakwater Beach (Shoalstone)BreanBridlington North Beach
Bridlington South BeachBrightlingseaBrighton Central
Brighton KemptownBroadsandsBroadstairs (Stone Bay)
Broadstairs (Viking Bay)Bude CrookletsBude Sandy Mouth
Bude SummerleazeBudleigh SaltertonBurnham Jetty
Caister PointCalshotCamber
Carbis Bay Porth Kidney SandsCarbis Bay Station BeachCawsand
Cayton BayChallaboroughChapel Porth
Chapel St LeonardsCharlestownCharmouth West
Christchurch Avon BeachChristchurch BayChristchurch Friar’s Cliff
Christchurch Highcliffe CastleChristchurch Mudeford Sandbank EastChurch Cove
Church Ope CoveClactonClacton (Groyne 41)
Clacton Beach Martello TowerCleethorpesClevedon Beach
CleveleysColwell BayColwick Country Park (West Lake)
Combe MartinCombesgate Beach, WoolacombeCompton Bay
Constantine BayCotswold Country Park and BeachCoverack
CowesCrackington HavenCrantock
CrimdonCrinnis Golf LinksCrinnis Leisure Centre
CromerCroyde BayDanes Dyke, Flamborough
Dartmouth Castle and Sugary CoveDawlish Coryton CoveDawlish Town
Dawlish WarrenDaymer BayDeal Castle
DovercourtDownderryDruridge Bay North
Druridge Bay SouthDunster North WestDuporth
Durdle Door EastDurdle Door WestDymchurch
East LooeEast RuntonEastbourne
EastneyEastokeExmouth
EypemouthFelixstowe NorthFelixstowe South
FelphamFileyFistral
Flamborough South LandingFleetwoodFolkestone
FormbyFraisthorpeFrensham Great Pond
FrintonGoodringtonGorleston Beach
Gorran Haven (Vault)Gorran Haven Little PerhaverGreat Western
Great Yarmouth NorthGreat Yarmouth PierGreat Yarmouth South
GurnardGyllyngvaseHampstead Heath (Ladies Pond)
Hampstead Heath (Men’s Pond)Hampstead Heath (Mixed Pond)Harlyn Bay
Hartland QuayHastingsHaverigg
HeachamHemsbyHerne Bay
Herne Bay CentralHighcliffeHillhead
HiveHollandHollicombe
Holywell BayHope CoveHornsea
HoveHumberston FittiesHunstanton Main Beach
Hunstanton (Old Hunstanton)HytheIlfracombe Hele
Ilfracombe Tunnels BeachIlfracombe WildersmouthIngoldmells South
InstowJaywickJoss Bay (Broadstairs)
Kennack SandsKimmeridge BayKingsand
Ladram BayLancing, Beach GreenLee-on-Solent
Leigh Bell WharfLepeLeysdown
LittlehamptonLittlestoneLow Newton
Lowestoft (North of Claremont Pier)Lowestoft (South of Claremont Pier)Lulworth Cove
Lusty GlazeLyme Regis Church Cliff BeachLyme Regis Front Beach
LynmouthMablethorpe TownMaenporth
MaidencombeMargate Fulsam RockMargate The Bay
MarsdenMarske SandsMawgan Porth
MeadfootMeolsMiddleton-on-sea
Milford-on-seaMill BayMillendreath
Minehead TerminusMinnis Bay (Birchington)Minster Leas
Moggs EyeMorecambe NorthMorecambe South
MoretonMothecombeMother Ivey’s Bay
Mounts Bay HeliportMounts Bay MarazionMounts Bay Penzance
Mounts Bay Wherry TownMundesleyNess Cove
Newbiggin NorthNewbiggin SouthNewhaven
Norman’s BayOddicombePagham
Paignton Paignton SandsPaignton Preston SandsPar
PendowerPentewanPerranporth Penhale Sands
Perranporth Village EndPerranuthnoePevensey Bay
Plymouth Hoe EastPlymouth Hoe WestPoldhu Cove
PolkerrisPolstreathPolurrian Cove
PolzeathPoole Branksome ChinePoole Canford Cliffs Chine
Poole Harbour LakePoole Harbour Rockley SandsPoole Sandbanks Peninsular
Poole Shore Road BeachPorlock WeirPorth
PorthallowPorthcothanPorthcurnick
PorthcurnoPorthgwiddenPorthleven West
PorthluneyPorthmeorPorthminster
PorthoustockPorthpeanPorthtowan
Portland Harbour Castle CovePortland Harbour Sandsfoot CastlePortmellon
PortreathPortwrinklePraa Sands East
Praa Sands WestPutsboroughRamsgate Sands
Ramsgate Western UndercliffeReadymoneyRedcar Coatham
Redcar GranvilleRedcar Lifeboat StationRedcar Stray
ReightonRingstead BayRoan Head
Robin Hoods BayRockRoker - Sunderland
Runswick BayRydeSalcombe North Sands
Salcombe South SandsSaltburnSaltdean
SandgateSandownSandsend
Sandwich BaySandy BaySaunton Sands
Scarborough North BayScarborough South BaySea Palling
Seaburn – SunderlandSeafordSeagrove
Seaham BeachSeaham Hall BeachSeahouses North
SeascaleSeaton (Cornwall)Seaton (Devon)
Seaton Carew CentreSeaton Carew NorthSeaton Carew North Gare
Seaton SluiceSeatownSelsey
SennenShaldonShanklin
SheernessShell Bay NorthSheringham
Shoebury EastShoeburynessSidmouth Jacobs Ladder
Sidmouth TownSilecroftSilloth
SkegnessSkipseaSlapton Sands Monument
Slapton Sands TorcrossSouth ShieldsSouthend Chalkwell
Southend JubileeSouthend Thorpe BaySouthend Three Shells
Southend Westcliff BaySouthportSouthsea
SouthwickSouthwold The DenesSouthwold The Pier
SpittalSt AnnesSt Annes North
St BeesSt HelensSt Leonards
St Margaret’s BaySt Mary’s Bay (Devon)St Mary’s Bay (Kent)
St Mildreds Bay (Westgate)StaithesStokes Bay
Studland Knoll HouseSutton-on-SeaSwanage Central
SwanpoolTankertonTeignmouth Holcombe
Teignmouth TownThe Serpentine - Hyde ParkThe Towans (Godrevy)
The Towans (Hayle)Thurlestone NorthThurlestone South
TolcarneTorre AbbeyTotland Bay
TowanTrebarwith StrandTrevaunance Cove
Trevone BayTreyarnon BayTunstall
Tynemouth CullercoatsTynemouth King Edwards BayTynemouth Long Sands North
Tynemouth Long Sands SouthVentnorWallasey
Walney Biggar BankWalney Sandy GapWalney West Shore
Walpole Bay (Margate)WaltonWarkworth
WatcombeWatergate BayWells
WemburyWest Bay (West)West Bay (Westgate)
West Beach, WhitstableWest KirbyWest Mersea
West WitteringWestbrook Bay (Margate)Weston Main
Weston-super-Mare Sand BayWeston-super-Mare Uphill SlipwayWestward Ho!
Weymouth CentralWeymouth LodmoorWhitby
Whitecliff BayWhitley BayWhitsand Bay (Sharrow)
Widemouth SandWilsthorpeWinchelsea
Windermere, FellfootWindermere, Lakeside YMCAWindermere, Millerground Landing
WithernseaWoolacombe VillageWorthing
Yaverland

PART 2Surface Waters in Wales(3)

AberafanAberdaronAberdyfi
AbereiddyAberffrawAbergele (Pensarn)
AbermawrAberporthAbersoch
Aberystwyth NorthAberystwyth SouthAmroth Central
BarafundleBarmouthBenllech
BorthBorth WenBracelet Bay
Broad Haven (Central)Broad Haven SouthCaerfai
Castle Beach TenbyCaswell BayCemaes
Church BayCilborthClarach South
Cold KnapColwyn BayCoppet Hall
Craig Du CentralCricciethDale
Druidston HavenDyffryn (Llanendwyn)Fairbourne
Freshwater EastFreshwater WestHarlech
Jackson’s Bay Barry IslandKinmel Bay (Sandy Cove)Langland Bay
Limeslade BayLittle HavenLlandanwg Central
LlanddonaLlanddwynLlandudno North
Llandudno WestLlanfairfechanLlangrannog
LlanrhystudLydstepManorbier
Marine Lake, RhylMarloes SandsMorfa Dinlle
Morfa NefynMwntNew Quay Harbour
New Quay NorthNewgaleNewport
Nolton HavenOxwich BayPembrey
PenallyPenbrynPendine
PenmaenmawrPoppit SandsPort Eynon
Porth DafarchPorth NeigwlPrestatyn Central
PwllheliRest BayRhosneigr
RhossiliRhylSandy Bay
Sandy HavenSaundersfootSilver Bay, Rhoscolyn
SoutherndownSt. Davids, BenllechSwansea Bay
TalybontTenby NorthTenby South
Traeth Gwyn New QuayTraeth LligwyTrearddur Bay
Trecco BayTresaithTywyn
West AngleWhitesandsWhitmore Bay Barry Island
Wiseman’s Bridge

Regulation 7

SCHEDULE 3BATHING WATER PROFILES

Contents

1.—(1) Every bathing water profile must—

(a)contain a description of the physical, geographical and hydrological characteristics of—

(i)the bathing water; and

(ii)any other surface water in the catchment area of the bathing water where the surface water could be a source of pollution for the bathing water;

(b)identify and assess the causes of pollution that might affect bathing water quality and pose a risk to bathers’ health;

(c)assess the potential for cyanobacterial proliferation;

(d)assess the potential for the proliferation of macro-algae or phytoplankton; and

(e)identify the location of the monitoring point.

(2) The information in sub-paragraph (1)(a) and (b) must be detailed on a map whenever practicable.

Review

2.—(1) Where a bathing water is classified as “poor”, “sufficient” or “good” under regulation 11, the appropriate agency must review, and if necessary update, the bathing water profile, taking into account the nature and severity of the pollution which affects the bathing water and at the following minimum frequency—

(a)if classified as “poor”, every two years;

(b)if classified as “sufficient”, every three years; and

(c)if classified as “good”, every four years.

(2) Where there are significant construction works or infrastructure changes in or around a bathing water, the appropriate agency must review the bathing water profile before the start of the next bathing season.

Regulation 8

SCHEDULE 4MONITORING ETC

PART 1INTESTINAL ENTEROCOCCI AND ESCHERICHIA COLI

Location of monitoring point

1.  The appropriate agency must—

(a)at every bathing water, locate the monitoring point where most bathers are expected; and

(b)subject to paragraph 7, where possible, take samples 30 centimetres below the water’s surface and in water at least one metre deep.

Monitoring calendar

2.—(1) The appropriate agency must—

(a)establish a monitoring calendar for every bathing water before the start of every bathing season; and

(b)take samples at every bathing water no later than four days after the date specified in the monitoring calendar.

(2) In relation to any abnormal situation, the appropriate agency—

(a)may suspend the monitoring calendar for the duration of the situation; and

(b)as soon as possible after the end of the situation, must take sufficient additional samples to replace those missing due to the suspension and to ensure that it has the minimum number required for the bathing water for the bathing season.

Frequency of monitoring

3.  The appropriate agency must—

(a)take and analyse the first sample for every bathing season shortly before the start of that season; and

(b)take and analyse samples at intervals not exceeding one month, from every bathing water throughout the bathing water season.

Sampling equipment

4.—(1) Subject to paragraph 7, the appropriate agency must only use sampling bottles which—

(a)have been—

(i)sterilised in an autoclave for at least 15 minutes at 121 degrees Celsius;

(ii)dry sterilised at no lower than 160 degrees Celsius and no higher than 170 degrees Celsius for at least one hour; or

(iii)irradiated by their manufacturer and not used previously;

(b)are of a size which allows sufficient water to be taken and analysed for the presence of intestinal enterococci and Escherichia coli; and

(c)are made of transparent and colourless material.

(2) The appropriate agency must—

(a)use aseptic techniques to maintain the sterility of the sample bottles; and

(b)clearly identify every sample taken by marking in indelible ink the sample bottle and associated paperwork.

Storage and transport of samples before analysis

5.—(1) Subject to paragraph 7, the appropriate agency must—

(a)at all times, protect every sample taken from exposure to light, and in particular, direct sunlight; and

(b)conserve every sample at a temperature of around 4 degrees Celsius between sampling and laboratory analysis.

(2) In relation to any sample, if the interval between sampling and laboratory analysis is likely to exceed four hours, the appropriate agency must conserve the sample in a refrigerator.

(3) The appropriate agency must ensure that the time between sampling and laboratory analysis does not exceed 24 hours and must use its best endeavours to keep this time as short as possible.

Reference methods of analysis

6.—(1) Subject to paragraph 7, the appropriate agency must use the following reference methods of analysis—

(a)for intestinal enterococci, one of the following standards of the International Organization for Standardization—

(i)ISO 7899-1:1998 (water quality, detection and enumeration of intestinal enterococci, Part 1, miniaturized method, most probable number, for surface and waste water) as amended by Cor 1:2000, or

(ii)ISO 7899-2:2000 (water quality, detection and enumeration of intestinal enterococci, Part 2, membrane filtration method); and

(b)for Escherichia coli, one of the following standards of the International Organization for Standardization—

(i)ISO 9308-1:2000 (water quality, detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria, Part 1, membrane filtration method) as amended by Cor 1:2007, or

(ii)ISO 9308-3:1998 (water quality, detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria, Part 3, miniaturized method, most probable number, for the detection and enumeration of E. coli in surface and waste water) as amended by Cor 1:2000.

General provisions in relation to rules or reference methods of analysis

7.  The appropriate agency—

(a)must have regard to the guidelines on the handling of samples for microbiological analyses given in Annex V to the Bathing Water Directive; and

(b)may use such rules or reference methods of analysis as it considers are substantively equivalent to those specified in this Schedule, where the appropriate agency has notified the appropriate Minister giving details of such rules and methods and their equivalence.

PART 2CYNOBACTERIA

8.  Where any bathing water profile indicates a potential for cyanobacterial proliferation, the appropriate agency must undertake appropriate monitoring at the bathing water at the frequency necessary to allow adequate management measures to be put in place in accordance with regulation 12.

PART 3MACRO-ALGAE AND MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON

9.  Where any bathing water profile indicates a tendency for proliferation of macro-algae or marine phytoplankton, the appropriate agency must undertake investigations at the bathing water to allow adequate management measures to be put in place in accordance with regulation 12.

PART 4WASTE

10.  The appropriate agency must undertake visual inspections at every bathing water at the frequency necessary to allow adequate management measures to be put in place in accordance with regulation 12.

Regulation 11

SCHEDULE 5CLASSIFICATION

Standards

1.  The appropriate agency must use the following standards for classification—

Standards for inland waters

Parameter

“Excellent”

“Good”

“Sufficient”

(1)

Colony forming units per 100 millilitres (“cfu/100 ml”).

(2)

Based upon a 95-percentile evaluation-see paragraph 2.

(3)

Based upon a 90-percentile evaluation-see paragraph 2.

Intestinal enterococci(1)200(2)400(2)330(3)
Escherichia coli(1)500(2)1,000(2)900(3)

Standards for coastal and transitional waters

Parameter

“Excellent”

“Good”

“Sufficient”

(1)

Colony forming units per 100 millilitres (“cfu/100 ml”).

(2)

Based upon a 95-percentile evaluation-see paragraph 2.

(3)

Based upon a 90-percentile evaluation-see paragraph 2.

Intestinal enterococci(1)100(2)200(2)185(3)
Escherichia coli(1)250(2)500(2)500(3)

Methodology

2.—(1) In this Schedule, “percentile value” is based on a percentile evaluation of the log10 normal probability density function of microbiological data used for the assessment under regulation 10.

(2) The appropriate agency must derive a percentile value as follows—

(a)take the log10 value of all bacterial concentrations in the data sequence to be evaluated or, if a zero value is obtained, take the log10 value of the minimum detection limit of the analytical method used;

(b)calculate the arithmetic mean (“µ”) of the log10 values taken under paragraph (a);

(c)calculate the standard deviation (“σ”) of the log10 values taken under paragraph (a);

(d)derive the upper 90-percentile point of the data probability density function from the following equation: upper 90-percentile = antilog (µ + 1.282 σ); and

(e)derive the upper 95-percentile point of the data probability density function from the following equation: upper 95-percentile = antilog (µ + 1.65 σ).

Classification

3.—(1) At the end of every bathing season, the appropriate agency must classify a bathing water as “poor” if, in the set of bathing water quality data used, the percentile values for microbiological concentrations are higher than the “sufficient” standards set out in paragraph 1.

(2) At the end of every bathing season, the appropriate agency must classify a bathing water as “sufficient” if—

(a)in the set of bathing water quality data, the percentile values for microbiological concentrations are equal to or lower than the “sufficient” standards set out in paragraph 1; and

(b)the bathing water is not classifiable as “good” or “excellent”.

(3) At the end of every bathing season, the appropriate agency must classify a bathing water as “good” if—

(a)in the set of bathing water quality data, the percentile values for microbiological concentrations are equal to or lower than the “good” standards set out in paragraph 1; and

(b)the bathing water is not classifiable as “excellent”.

(4) At the end of every bathing season, the appropriate agency must classify a bathing water as “excellent” if, in the set of bathing water quality data used, the percentile values for microbiological concentrations are equal to or lower than the “excellent” standards set out in paragraph 1.

(1)

The relevant baseline, for the purposes of this definition and the definition of “inland water”, is that from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured and is established by section 1 of the Territorial Sea Act 1987 (c.49) and the Territorial Waters Order in Council 1964 (1965 III, p.6452A).

(2)

Further details of the location and extent of a bathing water in England are available on request by contacting the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bathing Waters Team, Area 3D Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW19 3JR.

(3)

Further details of the location and extent of a bathing water in Wales are available on request by contacting the Welsh Government, Water Branch, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ.

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