An Angus beach which has been awarded designated bathing water status for the first time is to benefit from new information signs.
Monifieth will be monitored with the county’s other premier beaches at Lunan Bay, Arbroath, Carnoustie and Montrose, which have been deemed fit for public use by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
The town will be one of 23 areas across Scotland to benefit from new electronic boards which will display the predicted water quality for beach visitors.
Risks from all potential pollution sources will be flashed up alongside information on events and reminder notices to take home litter.
The system will be linked to a website that will show details for all 83 designated beaches in the country by 10am every day.
Environment minister Stewart Stevenson welcomed the move, saying high quality water and clean beaches were “crucial” to promote tourism and allow families and summer visitors to enjoy the Scottish seaside experience.
He added, “Adding Monifieth beach in Angus as a designated bathing water for the first time will provide another safe environment where bathing water standards are monitored in Scotland.”
In addition, SEPA has produced bathing water profiles as required by the European Bathing Waters Directive for all of the designated sites monitored in Scotland in 2010.Striving for improvementThe annual documents provide a description, map and photograph of the bathing water, information on potential pollution sources, risks to water quality and descriptions of measures being taken to improve water quality.
They also include steps on reporting and responding to pollution incidents and contact details for sources of further assistance.
SEPA’s environment quality manager for bathing waters Calum McPhail said, “Scotland’s changeable weather patterns and heavy summer rains can have a significant impact on water quality, causing agricultural run-off and overflows from drains.
“By providing accurate and timely information on water quality, we can ensure that those visiting a bathing water during the season have all the information they need for a safe visit.”
He added, “Last year all four of Angus’ bathing waters achieved the stricter guideline European bathing water standards.
“SEPA is continuing to work with other organisations, including Scottish Water, local authorities, the farming community and Scottish Government to continue to improve the quality of the bathing waters by planning to further reduce and limit pollution through the river basin planning process.”
The bathing water season runs from June 1 to September 15, with 20 water samples taken and analysed by SEPA over that period. A bathing water can then either fail or achieve a mandatory or guideline pass following the results.
For further information visit the SEPA website or call 08452 303098 for a real time water quality forecast.