Councillors have welcomed a report highlighting the “exceptional” quality of bathing water across Tendring.
Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed evidence and data on the quality of sea water, freshwater courses and drinking water in the district.
At a meeting on Tuesday, 28 January, the committee heard bathing water in Tendring is of exceptional quality with both Clacton and Walton regaining their ‘excellent’ status in 2024.
Councillors also heard that water quality at Holland-on-Sea has received a ‘good’ rating while Manningtree Beach is ‘satisfactory’.
There was praise for the efforts of the cold-water swimming group, the Mermaids, who are looking to see Manningtree Beach designated a bathing site which will mean that the Environment Agency must test the water off Manningtree beach on a weekly basis during the bathing season.
This in turn could see action by Anglian Water to further improve water quality there if its infrastructure nearby is affecting that water quality.
The committee also heard that drinking water in Tendring is of very good quality. It also welcomed news that Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners has asked the University of Essex to carry out work to see how it can improve water quality in the harbour, including looking at the scrubbing of boat hulls and use of less harmful paints.
Councillors were also informed that Natural England had recently commissioned a biodiversity action plan for the rivers Stour and Orwell, looking at invasive species affecting water quality, which was described as a “really positive” step.
Councillor Graham Steady, Chairman of the TDC Committee, said it had called for evidence around water quality in response to concerns nationally about river and sea pollution in the UK.
“It is greatly reassuring to have seen the evidence and the improving direction of travel for this coastal area – this is a good news story for the district,” he said.
“We welcome the announced biodiversity action plan that is being developed for the rivers Stour and Orwell.
“We will continue to keep a watching brief over water quality with a series of site visits to be arranged.”
Councillor Adrian Smith, TDC Cabinet member for Environment, said: “Water quality in Tendring is very important to us all – especially given that we have 36 miles of coastline to our district, and with it some wonderful beaches and wildlife areas.
“Clean and safe bathing waters promote our heritage and encourage visitors to stay longer and enjoy our beautiful coastline.
“We are committed to championing our local environment and working with partners to improve quality of life.
“The recent water quality results reflect our dedication to maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty of our coastal areas.”
He added that TDC will continue to work diligently with its partners, including Anglian Water, to ensure that water quality remains at the highest possible standard, safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the community and visitors alike.