BATHING water quality in Essex has been given the seal of approval, with 100 per cent of designated bathing waters in the county rated 'Good' or 'Excellent' for the fifth year in a row.

This comes as beaches and inland swimming spots in the wider East of England region have been given top marks for water quality, with a record 96.3 per cent of the region's designated bathing waters being rated 'Good' or 'Excellent' by the Environment Agency. This means that the East of England has the cleanest bathing waters in the country.

It is Anglian Water's best set of results since new bathing water regulations came into effect in 2015, climbing from 90 per cent 'Good' or 'Excellent' ratings in 2024 to 96.3 per cent this year.

Anglian Water's region has an extensive coastline, stretching from the Humber Bank in the north to the Thames Estuary in the south, with the announcement confirming the East of England's reputation as home to some of the UK's cleanest bathing waters.

Ninety-eight per cent of these coastal bathing water spots in the water company's region are rated 'Good' or 'Excellent', including 100 per cent of beaches in Lincolnshire, Suffolk, Essex and North Norfolk.