The Isle of Wight Council, supported by Southern Water, has launched a campaign to celebrate the Island’s coastline – and help people play a part in keeping its beaches beautiful.
Bathing waters along the 57 miles of Island coastline have never been cleaner in recent times.
However, the way bathing water quality is measured changed in 2015 and standards are now twice as strict as before – which is why the council is working even more closely with Southern Water, community groups and the Environment Agency to address issues which affect it.
The ‘Beauty of the Beach’ campaign aims to help people understand more about what impacts bathing water quality and give them the power to protect their beaches by taking some simple steps.
Councillor John Hobart, Cabinet member for environment and heritage has said:
“Many people are unaware of the fact that bathing water is affected by a range of things, including contaminated rainwater running off roads and agricultural land, wastewater from privately-owned treatment works, boats and animals on the beach such as dogs and seabirds.
“We live and work on the Island and are proud of our local area, that is why we want to work with people to help make our beaches the very best that they can be.”
Rob Butson, Southern Water’s bathing water manager, said:
“The 700 miles of coastline in the Southern Water region are where we all live and play, as well as being the lifeblood of many communities whether through tourism, business or leisure.
“We’re delighted to work with partners such as the Isle of Wight Council to help boost the quality of our bathing waters, and help everyone understand not just the role that we play, but the small things we can all do to help protect and improve the quality of our bathing water and the beauty of the beach.”
The council has launched an online poll to find the Isle of Wight’s favourite beach. To vote in the battle of the beaches visit https://www.facebook.com/isleofwightcouncil/photos/a.157742457614660.44281.144577995597773/1770713756317514/?type=3&theater.
For further information on the council campaign, visit: www.iwight.com/IWBeautyofthebeach.
