Water resources

Water quality

Bathing waters in and around Plymouth Sound were recorded as good or excellent in 2009 and 2010. For up to date information visit the Environment Agency website. To find out where your nearest Blue Flag beach is visit the Keep Britain Tidy website.

Water resource

Water, like other resources, is becoming an increasingly valuable commodity and is likely to become more precious in the future because of the likely effects of climate change. South West Water (SWW) is making plans now to ensure a secure supply of water for the future, focusing on making the most effective use of the existing water supply, whilst safeguarding the environment. They are concentrating on promoting water efficiency, continued close control of leakage and improved infrastructure.

SWW has calculated the increase demand of water for households in Plymouth. The increase has been divided between the components thought to be most sensitive to climate change. They are:

• Garden watering - 25 per cent
• Personal washing - 70 per cent
• Other (clothes washing) - 5 per cent