Sea Water testing for Thanet beaches

Seawater at Thanet's beaches is tested independently for bacteria on a weekly basis by the Environment Agency. Sampling takes place at each of the designated bathing waters for 20 weeks from May to September each year. Water quality results are compared with standards laid down by the European Union (EU).

Where water quality consistently fails to meet EU standards, there may be an increased risk of contracting a minor infection.

Key to chart:

 E - Excellent water quality (passes EU guideline standards)
 S - Satisfactory water quality (passes EU minimum standards)
 P - Poor water quality (fails to meet EU standards)
 Blank - Information not available.

Weekly results for May to September 2008

Period commencing 1st May 2008: (20 wkly samples)

BATHING BEACH

Week Numbers

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Minnis Bay

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

Westgate Bay

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

S

E

E

E

S

E

St. Mildreds Bay

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

S

E

E

E

E

S

E

Westbrook Bay

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

S

E

E

S

E

E

E

Margate, The Bay

E

E

E

S

E

E

S

E

E

E

S

E

E

E

E

E

Margate, Fulsam Rock

E

E

E

S

E

S

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

S

E

Walpole Bay

E

E

E

S

E

E

E

E

E

E

S

E

S

E

S

S

Botany Bay

E

E

E

S

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

S

E

Joss Bay

E

E

E

S

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

Broadstairs, Stone Bay

E

E

E

S

E

E

E

E

E

E

S

E

E

E

S

E

Broadstairs, Viking Bay

E

E

E

S

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

S

E

S

S

Ramsgate Sands

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

Ramsgate, W. Undercliff

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

Overall Annual results

Results 2000 - 2007

Results 1993 - 1999

Further details on the seawater sampling programme and EU water quality standards can be obtained by contacting Environmental Services on 01843 577580 or from the Environment Agency.