CLEANSEAS - WESSEX WATER'S COASTAL CLEAN-UP PROGRAMME.

Abstract

The paper describes the various elements of the clean-up programme being undertaken on the north and south coastlines of the Wessex Water region to improve the water quality of the region's 43 designated bathing waters. Since 1989, a total of £100 million has been spent on bathing water improvements and a further £325 million is being spent on waste-water treatment projects—including the world's largest membrane filtration plant at Swanage. The investment has resulted in compliance with the mandatory coliform standard of the EU bathing water directive rising from 81–90% in 10 years and remaining at all times above the national average.