Paignton Preston Sands water quality history

Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for Paignton Preston Sands in Torbay.

Paignton Preston Sands is on the south coast of Devon. It is a sandy beach, approximately 800 metres wide, backed by a large town green.

Available sample history
1988 to 2026
Samples
795
Latest official classification
Excellent (2025)

Explore charts and download data · How this analysis works

Interactive charts are loading. The classification history is available below.

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
2017GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2016GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2015GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2014GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2013GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2012SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2011SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2010SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2009SufficientHistorical estimate
2008SufficientHistorical estimate
2007SufficientHistorical estimate
2006SufficientHistorical estimate
2005SufficientHistorical estimate
2004SufficientHistorical estimate
2003SufficientHistorical estimate
2002SufficientHistorical estimate
2001SufficientHistorical estimate
2000SufficientHistorical estimate
1999PoorHistorical estimate
1998PoorHistorical estimate
1997PoorHistorical estimate
1996PoorHistorical estimate
1995PoorHistorical estimate
1994PoorHistorical estimate
1993SufficientHistorical estimate
1992SufficientHistorical estimate
1991SufficientHistorical estimate
1990SufficientHistorical 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