A new report says the waters off Brightlingsea are among the best in the district, having achieved an “excellent” classsification for the last nine years. Drinking water is also said to be of very good quality across Tendring.
The water quality report was compiled for Tendring District Council’s leadership overview and scrutiny committee. Councillors welcomed its findings, which highlighted the “exceptional” quality of bathing water in the town, along with that off Clacton, Walton, Dovercourt and Frinton.
The report showed that 15 samples taken at Brightlingsea between 2021 and the summer of 2024 found no sewage or tar, but did find “minor litter” on 44% of visits. The previous five years showed similar results.
The sewage treatment plant that discharges into the River Colne was said not to impact upon bathing water quality, with disinfection upgrades added in 2013 helping to protect shellfish and bathing waters.
However, data for 2020-2023 found that seaweed was “sufficient to be objectionable” at times, making for slippery surfaces. Microscopic algae – phytoplankton – which can bloom at certain times of the year, was “not noted”.
The report noted that Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners have asked the University of Essex to carry out work to see how it can improve water quality in the harbour, including looking at the scrubbing of boat hulls and use of less harmful paints.
Councillor Adrian Smith, TDC Cabinet member for Environment, said: “Water quality in Tendring is very important to us all – especially given that we have 36 miles of coastline to our district, and with it some wonderful beaches and wildlife areas. Clean and safe bathing waters promote our heritage and encourage visitors to stay longer and enjoy our beautiful coastline.”
