James Wild MP welcomes improved bathing water quality at Heacham following latest data results
The Environment Agency’s 2023 bathing classification results show there has been an improvement to the water quality in Heacham and the water would be classified as ‘Good’ if it were calculated on just this past season's data.
James Wild MP for North West Norfolk welcomed the improvements which follow action taken by the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, and others to tackle pollution issues. Bathing water regulations use results over a four year period for classification results, however, so Heacham will continue to be classified as poor despite the improvement in quality.
Water quality improvements come after several steps taken by the Environment Agency and others to tackle this issue and the complex task to identify and then reduce any sources. The Environment Agency has visited campsites and caravan parks to investigate potential misconnections, worked alongside farms to check compliance with environmental legislation particularly storage and use of organic manures, and continued in-depth sampling of water.
The Environment Agency secured additional government funding to aid its investigations into the sources affecting the water quality and to carry out DNA analysis on samples taken during 2022 and 2023 seasons. The 2022 samples showed multiple sources of bacteria; that the UV (Ultra Violet) treated effluent from the waste water treatment plant is present some of the time, but does not contribute to viable bacteria; that there is a possible association between the level of bacteria and suspended solids (stirred up sand) and wind speeds and a possible association with birds and dogs.
A full report on the 2023 results is due at the end of January but seabird markers were significant in samples and dog markers were present in some samples. Where human markers were present the indication is this was UV treated effluent (dead bacteria).
Commenting on the results, James Wild MP said:
“Improving the quality of coastal waters and rivers is a priority and I have worked closely with the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, and other organisations on action to tackle pollution. While it is encouraging data shows improvements to the coast used by local people and visitors, further information available soon from expert analysis should help guide further steps.”
In November, James Wild MP visited the Heacham Water Recycling Centre and South Beach with the Environment Agency, Anglian Water and others to review action being taken to tackle water pollution the next steps to restore Heacham water quality standards.
