Margate Beach

[Neil]

This might belong in the seaside area, but here we go:
A report’s been released measuring water quality
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key= ... utput=html
Is the main beach in Margate the Bay? If so the score's a little disappointing. In fairness it might be something that changes from day to day, and sea quality might also be outside local control. On the main site it mentions heavy rainfall affecting water quality.

[Nick]

The Margate scores are in this document:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/p ... hguide.pdf

[Neil]

Sorry for the dodgy link. Thanks Nick.

[Susan]

You may have seen coverage on TV that many areas have lost the 'best; status and it seems to have been caused by the wet summer/autumn last year. Many beaches have outlets feeding into the area to remove rainwater from the land. These samples were taken in October and reflect the situation then.
There are still many beaches in the area with a recommended classification so visitors shouldn't be put off going to Thanet.
The main Bay at Margate is kept very clean and tidy for visitors and the water classification should be much better this year if we have the dry hot summer we have been promised.

[Neil]

Thanks Susan, I'd been wondering why heavy rain affects the water quality, but that makes sense.