PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(18 May 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the current frequency of bathing water testing at designated bathing sites in West Sussex.

Asked by:
Alison Griffiths (Conservative)

The bathing water regulations require a minimum of monthly sampling during the bathing season. The Environment Agency exceeds this requirement by sampling all designated bathing waters at least fortnightly, with more frequent sampling undertaken where appropriate.

In West Sussex there are 15 designated bathing waters. Sampling frequency is determined annually based on an assessment of water quality risk and variability. Around two‑thirds of sites (9 sites) are sampled weekly, with remaining sites (totalling 6) sampled fortnightly or more frequently, depending on risk.

Answered by:
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