Clacton beach - one of five in the region to fail water quality standards.

By Chris Harris Thursday, November 8, 2012 1:00 PM

WATER at five beaches in Suffolk and Essex has failed strict quality standards, it has emerged.

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Heavier-than-normal summer rainfall has been blamed for declining levels at Southwold, Holland-on-Sea, Jaywick and Clacton.

Another site at Clacton - named Groyne 41 - has failed for the second successive year.

All beaches in Suffolk and Essex have met mandatory European water quality standards, meaning they are safe to swim in.

But five have failed the strictest guideline standards.

Its a little unfortunate, said John Daniels, senior environment officer for Suffolk and Essex at the Environment Agency. I think most people realise how wet it was in the summer and that has increased sewage overflows and agricultural run-off which has got into the sea.

Theres also been a lack of sunshine, which is a great natural disinfectant.

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Poll: Disappointment after five beaches in Essex and Suffolk fail water quality standards