27 September 2012 Last updated at 09:45 ET <\/p>\n
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Up to a quarter of Welsh beaches are \"at risk\" of losing their Blue Flag award next year <\/p>\n
Almost a third of Wales' blue flag beaches could be stripped of their status due to the poor summer weather. <\/p>\n
Environment Agency Wales (EAW) said the wettest UK summer in 100 years has resulted in a rise in bacteria levels in the water due to sewage pollution. <\/p>\n
Businesses have expressed fear of a drop in trade if the blue flag status of their local beach is lost. <\/p>\n
From next year, new rules will see water quality for blue flags assessed over four years rather than one. <\/p>\n
The blue flag award is issued by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which rates beaches on categories including facilities, environmental management, water quality and all-round cleanliness. <\/p>\n
The heavy rain this summer has not only caused significant flooding and problems for farmers and tourism, it has also affected bathing waters at some of our beaches <\/p>\n
Forty three beaches and five marinas in Wales earned the status in 2012, two more than in 2011. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The rest is here: <\/p>\n
Blue flag fears after poor summer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 27 September 2012 Last updated at 09:45 ET Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Up to a quarter of Welsh beaches are \"at risk\" of losing their Blue Flag award next year Almost a third of Wales' blue flag beaches could be stripped of their status due to the poor summer weather Continue reading