Our Coastline Deserves the Best
The North East of England is blessed with some of the most beautiful and dramatic coastline in the country. From the sweeping sands of Bamburgh and Druridge Bay to the rugged cliffs of Marsden and the sheltered coves of Northumberland, our beaches are treasured by local communities and visitors alike. They are places where families build sandcastles, where surfers catch waves, and where dog walkers enjoy the fresh sea air. Protecting these coastal gems is not just an environmental priority β it is a responsibility that Northumbrian Water takes very seriously.
Our bathing waters have seen remarkable improvements over the past two decades, thanks to sustained investment in wastewater infrastructure, real-time monitoring, and collaborative partnerships with environmental agencies and community groups. But we know there is always more to do, and we are committed to continuing this progress for the benefit of future generations.
Understanding Bathing Water Quality
Bathing water quality is assessed by the Environment Agency each year at designated beaches across the North East. Water samples are tested for bacteria levels, with results used to classify each beach as Excellent, Good, Sufficient, or Poor. These classifications are based on data collected throughout the bathing season, which runs from May to September.
Northumbrian Water plays a critical role in maintaining and improving these standards. Our wastewater treatment works, pumping stations, and sewer networks are designed to prevent untreated sewage from reaching the sea. Where storm overflows exist β safety valves that prevent sewage from backing up into homes during extreme rainfall β we are investing heavily in monitoring, reducing, and ultimately eliminating their impact on bathing waters.
Our Investment in Coastal Infrastructure
Over the past decade, we have invested hundreds of millions of pounds in upgrading our coastal wastewater infrastructure. Key projects include:
- Advanced treatment at coastal works: We have installed ultraviolet disinfection and enhanced screening at several of our coastal treatment works, significantly reducing bacteria levels in treated effluent before it is discharged.
- Sewer capacity upgrades: In areas prone to flooding or combined sewer overflows, we have increased storage capacity and improved the resilience of our network to cope with heavy rainfall events.
- Real-time storm overflow monitoring: We have installed event duration monitors on all of our storm overflows, providing transparent, publicly available data on when and how long overflows operate. This information is published on our website so that anyone can check the status of their local beach.
- Sustainable drainage solutions: Working with local councils and developers, we are promoting the use of sustainable drainage systems that manage rainwater at source, reducing the volume of surface water entering our sewer network.
Working With Communities
Protecting our beaches is not something we can do alone. We work closely with a range of partners to ensure that our coastline remains clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Our community partnerships include collaborations with Surfers Against Sewage, the Marine Conservation Society, local councils, and volunteer beach clean groups. Each year, our employees and community volunteers take part in organised beach cleans, removing litter and debris from some of the regionβs most popular stretches of sand.
We also engage with farmers and landowners in coastal catchment areas to reduce the impact of agricultural runoff on water quality. Through our Catchment Management programme, we provide advice, funding, and practical support to help land managers adopt practices that protect rivers and streams as they flow towards the sea.
Transparency and Accountability
We believe that our customers and communities have a right to know how we are performing and where we need to improve. That is why we publish detailed information about our bathing water investments, storm overflow performance, and environmental commitments on our website. We also participate in industry-wide reporting and benchmarking, ensuring that our progress is measured against the highest standards.
Our Near Real Time bathing water service allows beach visitors to check current conditions before they set off, giving them confidence that the water is safe for swimming. This service is available on our website and is updated regularly throughout the bathing season.
A Legacy for Future Generations
The work we are doing today will shape the quality of our coastline for decades to come. By investing in infrastructure, embracing innovation, and working hand-in-hand with our communities, we are building a legacy of clean, healthy bathing waters that future generations can enjoy with pride. Every improvement we make β from reducing storm overflows to restoring natural habitats β brings us closer to a coastline that is not only beautiful, but thriving with life.
If you love our North East beaches as much as we do, there are things you can do to help too. Report any pollution incidents to the Environment Agency, participate in local beach cleans, and spread the word about the importance of protecting our coastal environment. Together, we can ensure that our beaches remain a source of joy and wonder for generations to come.