Porthcothan water quality history

Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for Porthcothan in Cornwall.

Porthcothan Bay is on the north coast of Cornwall. It is a rural, sheltered sandy bay, approximately 400 metres wide, backed by sand dunes. There is a stream that flows across the beach. Porthcothan is popular with tourists and surfers and is patrolled by lifeguards during the day in the summer.

Available sample history
1992 to 2026
Samples
690
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
2009GoodHistorical estimate
2008ExcellentHistorical estimate
2007ExcellentHistorical estimate
2006ExcellentHistorical estimate
2005ExcellentHistorical estimate
2004SufficientHistorical estimate
2003SufficientHistorical estimate
2002SufficientHistorical estimate
2001SufficientHistorical estimate
2000SufficientHistorical estimate
1999SufficientHistorical estimate
1998SufficientHistorical estimate
1997PoorHistorical estimate
1996PoorHistorical estimate
1995PoorHistorical estimate
1994PoorHistorical estimate
1993PoorHistorical estimate
1992PoorHistorical 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