According to a recent report by the European Commission and the European Environment Agency (EEA), Cyprus had the highest proportion of bathing sites with excellent water quality in the European Union with 99.1%. In the previous survey the county ranked third with 97.3%. Other three EU countries have also excellent water quality – Malta (98.9% of all sites), Austria (97.3% of all sites) and Greece (97% of all sites).
The survey includes 113 bathing sites in Cyprus 112 of which were found to be of excellent quality. Local authorities collect water samples at officially identified bathing sites throughout the bathing season. After that the samples were analysed for two kinds of bacteria that indicate pollution from sewage or livestock. Depending on the levels of detected bacteria, the bathing water quality is classified as either ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ or ‘poor’.
The European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella said: “Through good testing, reporting, monitoring and sharing of expertise, we are sure to continue improving the quality of our favourite swimming spots. Our new Environmental Implementation Review will help Member States learn from each other how best to attain and keep the excellent standards”.
