Non-outfall sources of faecal indicator organisms affecting the compliance of coastal waters with directive 76/160/EEC

The general improvement in UK marine recreational water quality is attributed to the implementation of the EU Directives designed to protect the health of bathers and ensure adequate treatment of urban wastewaters. The effect of this legislation is often to remove the dominant source of faecal indicators which previously masked non-outfall sources. These have the potential to prevent the compliance of identified EU bathing waters with Directive 76/160/EEC standards for faecal coliform bacterial. Detailed investigative methods are outlined which have been employed to identify, quantify and reduce these sources. This problem requires detailed site specific investigation which is expensive when compared to the significant expenditures being committed to sewage treatment.