Up to 27 sites around the Grampian coastline

Bacteria taxonomic abundance in water bodies; Wind strength and direction; Temperature of the water column; Concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the water column

Anemometers; water temperature sensor; discrete water samplers

Bathing water bacteriological surveys: sea water samples are assessed for compliance with the EC Bathing Waters Directive. Surveys are conducted of bathing water, at both designated and non-designated beaches. The number of sites sampled has risen from 6 in 1987 to the present level of 23. Three of these sites are designated EC bathing beaches and must be sampled; other sites may vary. Samples are collected 20 times within the official bathing season (1 June to 30 September), and once per month outside this period. In addition to water samples, other parameters are measured to meet the requirements of the directive. Data are reported to local authorities weekly or monthly, and to the Scottish Office Environment Department annually. The data are stored on computer as a time series at each site per year, stating whether or not the site complies with EC mandatory and guideline values.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Stirling Office
Strathallan House
Stirling

FK9 4TZ
United Kingdom