James Wild MP for North West Norfolk has welcomed the Environment Agency’s 2024 Bathing Water Quality Statistics which show sustained improvement to the water quality in Heacham for the second year running. The bathing waters would be classified as ‘Good’ if it were calculated on this past season's data.
In a letter to James the Environment Agency said “the single season results for 2024 show that the overall quality would be classified as Good under the current criteria. E.Coli meets the Excellent standards, while Intestinal Enterococci meets the Good standards. This was the same in 2023.” However, bathing water regulations use results over a four year period for classification and therefore Heacham will continue to be classified as poor despite the improvement in quality.
The improvements come after action taken by the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, borough council, and others to tackle pollution issues by carrying out investigations and conducting more extensive water sampling.
With additional government funding, DNA analysis of samples from 2022 and 2023 identified multiple bacteria sources. Findings showed that UV-treated wastewater effluent is present but not a viable bacteria source. There is no storm overflow near to the bathing water at Heacham and the Water Recycling Centre has year-round UV treatment.
Following the latest ratings, Anglian Water explained seabird waste have been the “main source of the problem affecting bathing water quality.” This is due to large numbers of birds that are known to feed on the exposed mud flats at low tide, which typically get washed into the water at high tide alongside seabird waste. The samples, which are collected during high tide are therefore affected by this process.
Commenting on the results, James Wild MP said:
“It is encouraging that latest water quality results show the improvements recorded at Heacham last year have been maintained. However, it is important to continue to work to identify and resolve any issues for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. I will continue working with the Environment Agency, Anglian Water and other local authorities to achieve this.”
