An Environment Agency 2024 Bathing Water Update for Folkestone, Sandgate, Hythe, Dymchurch, St Marys Bay and Littlestone

Bathing waters are important to people and wildlife. There are over 450 designated bathing waters across England, and the Environment Agency play a crucial role in monitoring and assessing the water quality at all these sites. The website Swimfo provides useful, up-to-date information on the water quality of bathing waters. It allows people to find out more about the designated bathing waters in their area, and further afield, and understand the sources of pollution that can affect them.

In Folkestone and Hythe District there are 6 designated bathing waters; Folkestone, Sandgate, Hythe, Dymchurch, St Marys Bay and Littlestone. Unfortunately, as you may be aware, St Marys Bay and Littlestone are Poor and the Environment Agency are advising against bathing this year at these bathing waters. Advice against bathing is advisory and public access to the beach and the bathing water remains open. The Environment Agency know this is very disappointing for you and the communities you serve, and are committed to continue investigations and work with partners to improve the quality of water at all these locations.

The Environment Agency have attached three factsheets for the deteriorated areas of Dymchurch, St Marys Bay and Littlestone trying to help explain the current situation. If you have any further questions, please email ksle@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Additionally, should any resident of Folkestone and Hythe become concerned about any future incidents, please do report them to the 24 hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or via email at Incident_Communication_Service@environment-agency.gov.uk and the Environment Agency will investigate further.