The water quality in swimming areas is monitored by the DDASS by means of analyses carried out on bacterial contamination. These analyses have been made for the last 20 years; the results, however, have rarely been the object of statistical studies beach by beach.

In addition, from 1988 to 1991, the Agence de l'Eau Seine-Normandie carried out a statistical study on 10 beaches situated in the department of Seine-Maritime: Fécamp, Criel, Mesnilval, Le Tréport, Yport, Veulettes, Quiberville, St-Aubin, Dieppe-Place, Dieppe-Puys.

The statistical study measures the relationship between the level of contamination observed and environmental parameters such as pluviometry, the cycles and coefficients of the tide, coastal currents, and local topography.

The statistical tool used, analysis in multiple components, allows us to find the origin of pollutants, to better understand the mechanism which transports them to beach areas, and enables us to make decisions about future development.

Littoral, swimming areas, pollution, bacteriology, environment, statistics, development
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© IWA Publishing 1992
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