03 May 2012
In 2011, all beaches sampled in Jersey passed the European ‘Imperative Standard’. During the summer months the numbers of bacteria in the sea are measured at 16 Island beaches weekly. A total of 15 out of 16 beaches passed the highest quality ‘Guide Standard’.
The Island’s pass rate for the Guide standard was 94% compared to the UK’s 77%.
St Brelade's beach passed the Imperative Standard and the following beaches passed the Guide Standard:
- La Haule
- Victoria Pool
- Havre des Pas
- Green Island
- Grouville
- Archirondel
- Rozel
- Bouley Bay
- Bonne Nuit
- Grève de Lecq
- Plémont
- Watersplash
- Le Braye
- Beauport
- Portelet
Senator Alan Maclean, Minister for Economic Development said “The fact that Jersey beaches are once more cleaner than England and Wales is a great boost for Jersey Tourism.”
The sampling of the sea at Jersey beaches is done to a strict European protocol by the Department of the Environment. The Minister for Planning and Environment, Deputy Rob Duhamel said “The department’s sampling programme measures bacteria in the water. The continued improvement of water quality is partly due to our efforts to reduce land-based sources of contamination.
“All Islanders can help us to make sure our beaches stay clean, from dog walkers who use the beaches to boat owners who can help by emptying their holding tanks appropriately. The departments will continue to work with farmers and the industry to ensure that slurry is applied carefully to land and that people with septic tanks and tight tanks make sure they are working effectively and not overflowing.”
gov.je