39 bathing zones spread along the entire Belgian coast

Bacteria taxonomic abundance in water bodies

The frequent monitoring of the microbiological status of bathing zones at the Belgian coast is essential for the assessment of possible health hazards. Since 1988 the sampling has been intensified so as to provide better information to the authorities concerned and to the public on the microbiological quality of the different bathing zones. The 39 bathing zones are defined in the Royal decree of 30-07-87. The bathing season runs from 1 April to the end of September as described in CEC guideline 76/160. Each bathing zone was sampled once a week during April and May and the second half of September (i.e. during the low season) and twice a week from June to 15 September (i.e. during the high season). TC, FC and FS are determined on each sample. Salmonella is determined qualitatively on a routine basis but additional quantitative measurements, by the MPN method, are performed weekly on 5 bathing zones during the low season and on 10 zones in the high season. Additional samples were taken whenever the imperative norms are exceeded.

Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Belgian Marine Data Centre
Vautierstraat 29
Brussels

1000
Belgium