Brightlingsea water quality history

Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for Brightlingsea in Tendring.

Brightlingsea is an ancient maritime town (Cinque Port). The beach is restricted and consists of gravel, sand and mud. The beach is backed by a promenade and colourful beach huts. There is little beach at high tide.

Available sample history
1988 to 2026
Samples
735
Latest official classification
Excellent (2025)

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Annual classification history

Official assessments and historical estimates are labelled separately. Missing years are not filled in.

Available annual results, newest first
YearClassificationAssessment source
2025ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2024ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2023ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2022ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2021ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2019ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2018ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2017ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2016ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2015ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2014ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2013ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2012ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2011ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2010ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2009ExcellentHistorical estimate
2008ExcellentHistorical estimate
2007ExcellentHistorical estimate
2006ExcellentHistorical estimate
2005ExcellentHistorical estimate
2004ExcellentHistorical estimate
2003GoodHistorical estimate
2002GoodHistorical estimate
2001GoodHistorical estimate
2000SufficientHistorical estimate
1999SufficientHistorical estimate
1998SufficientHistorical estimate
1997SufficientHistorical estimate
1996SufficientHistorical estimate
1995SufficientHistorical estimate
1994SufficientHistorical estimate
1993SufficientHistorical estimate
1992SufficientHistorical estimate
1991Not assessedHistorical estimate
1990Not assessedHistorical estimate
1989Not assessedHistorical estimate
1988Not assessedHistorical estimate

Source: Environment Agency / Swimfo. Data retrieved 16 October 2026. Historical trends do not describe conditions today; check Swimfo and local notices for current advice.

Nearby bathing waters