SEASONAL seawater sampling is now underway across Jersey’s coastline, with weekly monitoring taking place at 16 bays until 21 September.
The government’s Infrastructure and Environment department said results from the testing programme are being updated automatically on an interactive online map, while QR codes have also been installed at sampling points so beachgoers can check the latest water quality information on site.
Testing measures levels of Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci bacteria in seawater samples.
All beaches were rated “excellent” in the first round of sampling except Plemont, which was graded “poor” in a reading taken on 18 May.
Intestinal enterococci levels at the north-western bay reached 223 cfu/100ml – above the 200 cfu/100ml threshold for poor water quality.
“Good” water quality is achieved when intestinal enterococci levels are below 200 cfu/100ml, whilst “excellent” is achieved when they fall below 100cfu/100ml.
The Infrastructure and Environment department reminded Islanders that seawater testing reflects conditions at the time of sampling and advised against swimming for 48 hours after heavy rainfall.
