WATER quality is to continue to be monitored at a beach in Weymouth through the winter for the benefit of residents who swim there.
The beach at Greenhill is a popular spot for swimmers throughout the whole year in Weymouth, but prior to a couple of years ago, was only monitored through the summer months.
The testing, conducted by the Environment Agency, helps to provide clarity for those who frequent the coast in the warmer weather, but it concludes on September 30 - leaving residents not knowing what they may be swimming in after that.
In 2024, Weymouth Town Council launched a pilot test to make up the gaps in water monitoring in the area, collecting data and publishing it on its website.
The decision was taken after concerns were raised about bathing water quality and the Environment Agency's decision to downgrade Weymouth Beach's classification from "Excellent" to "Good".
READ MORE Greenhill beach, Weymouth trial winter water quality testing | Dorset Echo
Following its success, the pilot scheme was extended for another year after residents found its useful.
The testing measures for amounts of E. coli and Intestinal Enterococci in 100ml of sample, both of which can make people severely unwell if ingested while swimming.
READ MORE Water testing will continue at Greenhill Beach during winter | Dorset Echo
At the town council's September Environment and Services Committee meeting, councillors considered keeping testing at Greenhill and to request funding to be released for next year, of £3,000, to pay for it.
Cllr Howard Atkinson said there is a ‘considerable call’ for a better understanding of what is in Weymouth’s waters and that the last pool of results showed very high quality at Greenhill.
He said: “That gives assurance to our swimmers [that] it’s fine for them to swim there and I feel we should keep that up.”
Cllr Matt Bell said: “This protects our residents, improves safety and provides reassurance for our tourism industry. On that basis, it is worth continuing.”
Greenhill is a popular choice for cold water swimmers throughout the winter, which has become increasingly popular over the last few years as people are discovering the health benefits that come with it, from physical wellbeing to improved mental health.
Councillors unanimously voted to keep the testing of the water at Greenhill and it will resume next month.
The allocation of £3,000 is the subject to approval from the Finance and Governance Committee and the Full Council.
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