Cowes water quality history

Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for Cowes in Isle of Wight.

To the west of the town, Cowes beach is mostly gravel and slopes into deep water with strong currents. At high tide there can be little beach left. Along the Esplanade there are shops, refreshments and public toilets. Egypt Point is particularly favoured by anglers.

Available sample history
1988 to 2026
Samples
783
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
2019GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2018GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2017ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2016ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2015ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2014ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2013ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2012GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2011GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2010GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2009SufficientHistorical estimate
2008SufficientHistorical estimate
2007GoodHistorical estimate
2006GoodHistorical estimate
2005GoodHistorical estimate
2004GoodHistorical estimate
2003GoodHistorical estimate
2002GoodHistorical estimate
2001GoodHistorical estimate
2000SufficientHistorical estimate
1999SufficientHistorical estimate
1998SufficientHistorical estimate
1997SufficientHistorical estimate
1996PoorHistorical estimate
1995PoorHistorical estimate
1994PoorHistorical estimate
1993PoorHistorical estimate
1992PoorHistorical estimate
1991PoorHistorical estimate
1990PoorHistorical 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