Bathing Water Directive "good news for Londoners"

11.16.04am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 13th Oct 2005

MEPs and Ministers have reached agreement on the final shape of the new EU Bathing Water Directive.

The new law will supersede 1976 legislation which has led to major improvements in the quality of bathing water across Europe. The 19 different tests required at present will be reduced to just two (intestinal enterococci and e-coli) that give much the same information, and the latest details of bathing water quality will be available on the internet.

Health problems associated with bathing water use are expected to decrease from a current 12% risk to 7.5% by 2015.

Baroness Sarah Ludford, London's Liberal Democrat MEP, said:

"The bathing water law has been one of the most popular examples of EU legislation because the benefits it has brought have been clear to everyone.

"This new measure will lead to further improvements in water quality. The public will get more information and the bureaucracy required to administer the scheme will be cut. It's a good package all round, and Londoners will see the benefits not only when holidaying, but right here in London's many open air pools."