West Kirby water quality history
Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for West Kirby in Wirral.
West Kirby's sandy beach is approximately two kilometres long and faces south west over the Dee estuary. The designated area is at the north eastern extent of the estuary which is nationally and internationally protected as a site of importance for seabirds. A large stretch of sand is exposed at the bathing water at low tide. There are four small islands close to the beach which can be reached on foot at low tide. Bathing Water samples are taken on the seaward side off the walkway around the Marine Lake. In 2023/24 a major flood resilience project was completed that comprises a sea defence wall along the esplanade and behind the beach and Marine Lake.
- Available sample history
- 1991 to 2026
- Samples
- 730
- Latest official classification
- Sufficient (2025)
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.
| Year | Classification | Assessment source |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sufficient | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2024 | Sufficient | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2023 | Good | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2022 | Excellent | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2021 | Excellent | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2019 | Excellent | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2018 | Excellent | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2017 | Excellent | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2016 | Excellent | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2015 | Excellent | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2014 | Excellent | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2013 | Good | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2012 | Good | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2011 | Good | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2010 | Good | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2009 | Sufficient | Historical estimate |
| 2008 | Sufficient | Historical estimate |
| 2007 | Sufficient | Historical estimate |
| 2006 | Sufficient | Historical estimate |
| 2005 | Sufficient | Historical estimate |
| 2004 | Sufficient | Historical estimate |
| 2003 | Sufficient | Historical estimate |
| 2002 | Sufficient | Historical estimate |
| 2001 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 2000 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1999 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1998 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1997 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1996 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1995 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1994 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1993 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1992 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1991 | Poor | Historical 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.
