Voluntary scheme for clean waters

A voluntary scheme for higher standards for bathing waters has been launched in advance of a change in the law.

The strict environmental requirements involved will become obligatory in 2015.

The new project was launched by Ecology Minister Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet and focuses on the quality of bathing water – while others like the Blue Flag include broader criteria.

She said that according to two recent studies 4%-10% of beaches in France would fail if the future requirements were brought in immediately.

New EU laws will shrink the level of acceptable pollution to 500 bacteria per 100ml from the current French reuqirement of 2,000.

Beaches will be classified into four categories: excellent, good, sufficient and bad.

“If nothing is done, dozens of beaches risk being shut down,” said Ms Kosciusko-Morizet.

The scheme will begin with 15 beaches and will be run in conjunction with the Association des Maires du Littoral and the Association des Stations Classées. The first certificates will be awarded from 2009.

Photo:Eoghan OLionnain