Bathing water quality - Seawater
We work with other agencies, including Southern Water and the Environment Agency, to ensure we can protect and improve the quality of our coastal bathing waters.
If there is a risk of reduced water quality due to heavy rain or potential contamination signs will be displayed at both Lancing and Worthing.
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How bathing water quality is monitored
The Environment Agency regularly takes seawater samples throughout the summer bathing season (May to September). These are then analysed and the results are used to help classify the bathing water quality as either Excellent, Good, Sufficient or Poor. This regular monitoring helps protect public health and identify any areas where water quality needs to be improved.
What is measured
The Environment Agency sample for Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Intestinal Enterococci. These bacteria are found in the intestines of humans and animals; such as dogs, cattle and seagulls. Their presence indicates that human or animal faeces may be in the bathing water. Faeces, from sewage or livestock waste, might also contain other harmful bacteria that could cause illness.
Where samples are taken
Samples are collected from six designated waters along the Adur and Worthing coastline. Each sampling site may be identified by a public information sign, found at the following locations:
Lancing (Beach Green)
Bathing water quality: EXCELLENT
Bathing water quality at Lancing can be affected by the River Adur and the Teville Stream, particularly after heavy rainfall. There is also a surface water outfall to the eastern side of the beach which operates after heavy rainfall, but is not known to affect water quality. Large amounts of seaweed can often be found here.
Location: on the coastal path, opposite the beach kiosk.
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Shoreham Beach
Bathing water quality: EXCELLENT
Bathing water quality at Shoreham Beach can be affected by the River Adur that enters the sea at Shoreham Harbour, east of the bathing water, particularly after rainfall. Surface water outfalls near Lancing operate after heavy rainfall, but these are not known to affect bathing water quality. This beach can become covered by large amounts of seaweed.
Location: on the boardwalk, south of Ferry Road.
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Southwick
Bathing water quality: EXCELLENT
Water quality at Southwick can be affected by the River Adur that enters the sea west of the bathing water at Shoreham Harbour, particularly after rainfall. A power plant outfall discharges cooling water to the east of the beach and there are a number of other industrial off-shore outfalls along this section of coast. None of these are known to affect bathing water quality at Southwick.
Location: at the car park steps, next to Carats Café.
- Southwick bathing water profile (water quality results and maps) - on the Environment Agency website
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Worthing (Beach House)
Bathing water quality: this site has not been given a water quality classification yet
Bathing water quality at Worthing Beach House may be affected by surface water and urban drainage during and after heavy rainfall.
Location: on the promenade, behind Splashpoint Leisure Centre.
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Worthing (Goring Beach)
Bathing water quality: this site has not been given a water quality classification yet
Bathing water quality at Goring Beach may be affected by surface water and urban drainage during and after heavy rainfall.
Location: on the promenade, beside Marine Crescent seating shelter.
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Worthing (Heene Road)
Bathing water quality: GOOD
Bathing water quality at Worthing can be affected by surface water and urban drainage during and after heavy rainfall.
Location: on the promenade, opposite Heene Terrace.
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Is it safe to collect and eat shellfish from Adur and Worthing beaches?
There are no designated shellfisheries around Adur and Worthing and as such no sampling is undertaken to assess the suitability of shellfish for consumption.
See also River Adur:
01903 221064
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Page last updated: 18 July 2024