WFD_Bathing Water

The dataset presents the latest information as reported by the Member States (EU27) for the 2007 bathing season, as well as some historical data since 2003. The EU Bathing Waters Directive requires Member States to identify popular bathing places in fresh and coastal waters and monitor them for indicators of microbiological pollution (and other substances) throughout the bathing season which runs from May to September. The Directive lays out the parameters, monitoring frequency and standards to which designated bathing beaches must comply. These standards can be designated either as mandatory (or minimum) or guideline (more strict) values.