James Wild MP has welcomed the start of the 2026 bathing water season, which runs from 15 May to 30 September, and the latest classifications for the three designated bathing water sites in North West Norfolk.
Hunstanton (Main) and Hunstanton (Old) have both maintained their “Good” classifications from last year, while Heacham has maintained its “Sufficient” classification.
James has been working with the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, the council and others to tackle water quality issues at local beaches, and these results maintain the progress recorded across all three designated sites in 2025.
All three sites have been identified as priority bathing waters for the 2026 season, with the Environment Agency now also set to carry out further investigations at each site this year. At Heacham, additional bacterial monitoring is planned for the ditch system near the beach and the River Heacham.
A review of recent data across all three sites will also be undertaken, while Microbial Source Tracking has already been carried out on elevated samples from the 2025 season, with results currently being analysed. This work is intended to build a clearer picture of any factors affecting water quality at the sites, and of any emerging trends to inform future work.
Residents and visitors can check the latest classifications, water quality information and Pollution Risk Forecasts via the Environment Agency’s Swimfo service at www.gov.uk/quality-of-local-bathing-water.
James Wild MP said:
“North West Norfolk has some of the finest beaches in the country, and during the bathing season people come from far and wide to enjoy our glorious coastline.
“That is why it is so important that residents and visitors alike can have confidence in the information available about water quality at our local beaches.
“It is encouraging that all three sites have improved their classifications in recent years and I welcome the further monitoring planned for this season.”
James will continue working with the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, the council and others to support further improvements in water quality at local beaches and to ensure residents and visitors have clear information about conditions at bathing sites.
