Now thirty years old, the 1976 Bathing Water Directive is a reflection of the state of knowledge and experience of the early 1970s. Since that time changes in science, technology and managerial experience have prompted the Commission to update the Directive. In October this year, an agreement was reached between the European Parliament and Council on the content of the revision and we expect the final text to be made public in January 2006. Coastal local authorities are likely to have enhanced responsibilities under the new revisions. Their principal role will relate to risk management actions required by the revisions.

The LGA Bathing Water Directive pack, sponsored by the Coastal SIG and produced in association with the Solent Forum, informs coastal local authority environmental health and beach/leisure teams of the revisions and the way it may affect them. The pack contains a revisions summary, a guide to preparing a response plan to poor bathing water quality incidents and a CD of response annexes (see below) and background information. In the first instance, the pack has been sent to all Chief Executive coastal local authorities.

In 2006, Defra will be looking to consult with interested coastal local authorities on the implementation of the revised directive. Those officers and members who wish to keep abreast of this matter should email Alison Conway