PEMBROKE Bay has failed a basic water quality test. Four beaches have been recommended by the Marine Conservation Society, the same as in 2006, but Pembroke failed the European mandatory water quality standard.
‘The bathing water quality around Guernsey is very mixed, with four out of 13 beaches being recommended by the MCS in this year’s Good Beach Guide,’ said coastal pollution officer Thomas Bell.
‘But others only pass the minimum water quality standard and one, Pembroke Bay, fails the basic standard.
‘Guernsey has world-class beaches in terms of their beauty, but sadly the sewage treatment on the island is far from world-class and raw sewage continues to be pumped out to sea.
‘While several beaches are unaffected by this, those like Pembroke Bay are clearly on the receiving end. Urgent improvements are needed if Guernsey’s waters are to live up to the island’s reputation for being the perfect escape.’
Tracy Jachmann, manageress of Mirage Family Bistro at Pembroke, said she was surprised by the findings.
‘I think the water looks perfectly fine and people can come down and see for themselves,’ she said.
‘I don’t think it will make a difference to us customerwise and from where I’m standing the water looks great.
‘I still think the beach will be packed in the summer because it’s one of the nicest looking beaches in Guernsey. I hope this won’t make a difference and it will still be as popular as ever.’
She said Environment needed to look into the problem if there was one.
‘Now that they have this information that the water is not as clean as it should be, I hope Environment will do something about it. I’m shocked to be honest because the sea looks beautiful.’
The society marked the 20th anniversary of the guide by unveiling results of water quality at 787 of Britain’s beaches.
It announced that it had recommended 494 of them, 63% of those tested.
It praised the influence the guide has had on the water industry since 1987, forcing it to properly treat sewage disposal.
‘The failure is disappointing. Out of 20 tests taken, 18 passed and the two poor results are puzzling,’ said minister Deputy David De Lisle. ‘This is only the second time since testing bathing water quality began in 1992 that a Guernsey beach has failed the EC Mandatory standard.
‘However, the first result for Pembroke for 2007 was excellent. We will continue to monitor the situation and advise the public of further results.’
Historically bathing water quality there has been excellent. However for the period 2002-2006, results have shown a decline by 25% on that for the period from 1997-2001.
The department has consulted Public Services, which has responsibility for drainage and sewage, but investigations have shown that there were no other identifiable factors at the time of the poor results, such as heavy rain when storm water can cause pollution. No other sources could be located.
Article posted on 18th May, 2007 - 12.00am
Loading ...
Most Commented: