Overview
Scotland has over 80 designated bathing waters where we monitor water quality from 15 May to 15 September and publish the sampling results and classification online.
The classification describes the general water quality condition for each location – excellent, good, sufficient and poor – based on four years of monitoring data. These classifications are calculated at the end of one season for display during the following season.
Daily water quality predictions are accessible online and from electronic information signs at selected bathing waters. This network allows us to inform the public about current bathing water quality and to advise of potentially poorer quality following a short-term pollution event.
Bathing water profiles provide more information about each site.
Improving Scotland’s water environment is a priority for us. We continue to work with our partners to raise all sites to the sufficient or better classification and to make our summer visits to the beach safer and more enjoyable.
Contact us
For more information about Scotland’s bathing waters or how to interpret and use data, please contact us.