Bathing water standards improve further in Torbay

The Department for Food Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has released the 2024 bathing water classifications, and it’s good news for the Bay.

We are pleased that 14 of our 15 beaches have achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating. This is the highest possible rating and marks an improvement on last year’s ratings. In 2023, 11 of our 15 bathing beaches achieved an ‘Excellent' rating.

Notably, Hollicombe Beach and Paignton Sands improved from a ‘Good’ rating to ‘Excellent’. Watcombe Beach also achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating. Watcombe Beach was not sampled in 2023 as access was closed due to safety concerns after severe weather. Additionally, Goodrington Beach has improved from a ‘Satisfactory’ rating, to ‘Good’.

Ratings are awarded by the Environment Agency, who monitor the quality of bathing water to make sure regulations are being followed. DEFRA is legally required to publish the Environment Agency’s annual findings and classifications.

Water samples are taken by DEFRA throughout the summer season to produce an annual bathing water classification. The last four years' worth of data are used to make a rating.

These classifications are as follows:

★★★ Excellent – the highest, cleanest water quality

★★☆ Good – generally good water quality

★☆☆ Sufficient – the water meets the minimum standard

☆☆☆ Poor – the water has not met the minimum standard. Work to improve quality at Poor sites are detailed in the site’s profile

DEFRA test beaches yearly and the official statistics are available online. This year’s results can be found on the government’s website.

We are dedicated to improving the bathing experience for our residents and tourists. This progress highlights our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of our coastal waters. It also allows us to apply for Blue Flag status, confirming our beaches as some of the best in the country.

We will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency, South West Water and other partner investigations to maintain our bathing water quality, investigate potential pollution sources, and take appropriate action when necessary.

Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said “Tor Bay Harbour Authority has a duty to ensure our bathing waters are clean and suitable for people to enjoy. The Environment Agency’s ratings have shown that they have been very successful in their responsibility, with 14 out of 15 beaches achieving the highest rating.

“Maintaining the health and wellbeing of our residents, along with the natural beauty of Torbay, is a top priority for the council. These excellent ratings are a testament to our hard work and dedication to this cause.”

2023 and 2024’s ratings for all 15 of our bathing waters can be found below;