Heacham water quality history

Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for Heacham in King's Lynn and West Norfolk.

Heacham North Beach is part of an extensive beach line which stretches north from the mudflats at Snettisham, up the eastern side of the Wash and along the Norfolk coast. Heacham is a popular Norfolk coastal holiday resort, with a largely sandy beach. It is one of the few beaches in Norfolk to face west. The majority of beach exposed at low tide is very gently shelving. Tidal movement stirs up sand and sediment in the sea and makes it look cloudy.

Available sample history
1988 to 2026
Samples
839
Latest official classification
Sufficient (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
2025SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2024PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2023PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2022PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2021PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2019SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2018SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2017SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2016GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2015GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2014GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2013GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2012GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2011SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2010SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2009GoodHistorical estimate
2008GoodHistorical estimate
2007GoodHistorical estimate
2006PoorHistorical estimate
2005PoorHistorical estimate
2004PoorHistorical estimate
2003PoorHistorical estimate
2002SufficientHistorical estimate
2001SufficientHistorical estimate
2000PoorHistorical estimate
1999PoorHistorical estimate
1998PoorHistorical 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