Because of concerns about the accuracy (and therefore reliability) of the data published by the EA and Southern Water on water quality for Sandgate beach at Granville Parade, the Parish Council decided in September 2023 to use an established independent testing laboratory to provide sea water testing kits to test the water at Granville Parade. Sea water testing was undertaken on twelve occasions between October 2023 and January 2024.
From the results of these tests and data from Surfers Against Sewage, the Parish Council concludes that generally the quality of the sea water under normal weather conditions is good and, sometimes, excellent. However, the testing did show high levels of contaminates on one occasion after heavy rain.
Based on this information, the Parish Council took the view that it would be inappropriate for us to apply for the Seaside Award 2024.
We also felt that it was important to publish our report, with the water testing results, in full as soon as possible. The report is available here.
SPC-Water-Testing-Report-March-2024This report was considered and agreed by the Environment Committee on 11th March. It will will go to Full Council on 25th March to agree the wording on an open letter to Keep Britain Tidy (who organise the Seaside Award), Environment Agency, Southern Water, Folkestone & Hythe District Council and neighbouring coastal Town and Parish Councils.