Cyprus has best bathing water quality in Europe

Bathing areas in Cyprus have been found to possess the best water quality in the whole of Europe.

Environmental analysis conducted across the continent has discovered that overall standards declined slightly between 2009 and 2010.

Despite the dip throughout Europe, nine out of ten public bathing areas met minimum requirements.

The European Environment Agency and European Commission study showed that 100 per cent of places tested in Cyprus were up to scratch.

Environment commissioner Janez Potocnik said it is important that EU member states work hard to halt the reduction in quality, as clean water is a "priceless resource".

"I am glad to see that the quality of Europe's bathing waters remains high, although there is room for improvement," the representative stated.

Earlier this month, members of the Marine Conservation Society told the Blackpool Gazette that the town needs to sort out its own public swimming areas, as some are below the necessary standards and failure to take action could result in a drop in tourism.

Posted by Claire Manning