Water quality
Generally, water quality issues are looked after by the Environment Agency.
This national environmental regulator is responsible for controlling discharges to rivers and other water courses, lakes and coastal waters.
It also looks after flood defence issues and the drinking water resources.
If you have a problem, or have spotted pollution in a watercourse then you can contact them direct on 0800 80 70 60 at any time.
Alternatively you can contact us and we will take the matter up with them for you.
Drinking water
Drinking water supplies are separately regulated, being provided by Northumbrian Water Limited.
If you have a problem related to drinking water quality you can either contact your supplier direct or again contact us and we will take the appropriate action.
Coastal waters
Certain coastal waters used for bathing and recreation are designated under the European Sea Bathing Waters Directive.
Currently both Sandhaven and Marsden are designated and seawater is sampled every week during the summer season to assess the overall quality.
The results are published by the Environment Agency, are placed on notice boards on the beaches and are available from us.
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