Consultation on the proposal to remove Tunstall Beach from the list of bathing waters

Overview

The Bathing Water Regulations (S.I.2013/1675) ("the Regulations") define a bathing water as a surface water where "...the Secretary of State expects a large number of people to bathe, having regard in particular to past trends and any infrastructure or facilities provided, or other measures taken, to promote bathing at those waters."  The objective of designating a beach or inland water as a bathing water is to protect bathers' health by monitoring for intestinal enterococci and E.coli in the water. The Environment Agency (EA) takes water quality samples during the bathing season, which in England runs from 15 May to 30 September. 

If a bathing water is de-designated, other measures remain in place to protect the water environment generally, including the Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2003, the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017 and the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010.

Why your views matter

We are seeking your views on the whether Tunstall Beach should be removed from the list of designated bathing waters. The consultation document summarises the evidence that has been provided about the level of usage at the site and the facilities that are provided to support bathing. Any additional evidence can be submitted in your response.

The figures in the consultation document focus on the number of people bathing at the site: adults swimming, and children swimming and paddling. Children who are paddling are counted as bathers because they are more likely than adults to ingest water while paddling.

You can respond by:

• using the online survey (see below)
• by email: bathingwater@defra.gov.uk
• by post:

Bathing Waters Team
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
2 Marsham Street
Seacole Building
London
SW1P 4DF

What happens next

Defra will review the responses to this consultation before a final ministerial decision is made on whether the site should be de-designated as a bathing water.