THE Environment Agency has begun its annual testing regime to make sure bathing water on the Lincolnshire coast meets strict water quality standards.
Over the next five months, water samples will be taken from places including Cleethorpes, Humberston, Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea, and Chapel St Leonards.
Adrian Lack, sampling and collection team leader, said: "We will be taking samples from all nine bathing beaches in Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire to check that they continue to meet bacteriological water quality standards. Our water sampling is vital to make sure visitors to Lincolnshire's beaches know that they are suitable for swimming. We test for bacteria that are usually associated with upset stomachs and which can come from waste water or from poorly-treated sewage or animal faeces."
As well as water samples, other information about the beach is also recorded, including the presence of sewage-derived litter and foaming and information about how the beach is used.
The results of the testing help to determine whether a beach meets the requirements of the international Blue Flag award scheme.
Keep reading your Grimsby Telegraph and visiting www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk to find out if local resorts receive the coveted award.
