In conjunction with the long-awaited arrival of British Summer Time, the Environment Agency has launched a new online tool which provides information on the water quality of 500 beaches in England and Wales.
The new bathing-water profiles allow beach goers to check whether designated coastal and inland bathing sites meet the water quality standards contained in the European Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC, in an attempt to help the public "make more informed choices about the best locations to visit and enjoy".
Ed Mitchell, Environment Agency director of environment and business, said that as a result of an £8 billion investment from water companies to improve Britain's sewage system, as well as constant water monitoring, the UK's beaches have seen a "huge improvement".
However, he admitted that there was still "more work to do to drive further improvements in water quality."
He also added, "The Environment Agency is working hard to tackle all sources of pollution, alongside beach users, local authorities, farmers and water companies."
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