Western Beach has been officially classified as ‘Excellent’ in the latest bathing water quality assessment carried out by the Environmental Agency. This marks the first time Western Beach has achieved the highest possible rating under the Bathing Water Directive.
All of Gibraltar’s bathing waters are sampled regularly throughout the year with increased sampling during the bathing season, with analysis undertaken by the Public Analyst at the Gibraltar Health Authority. The assessment follows the European Union’s Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC), which classifies bathing waters as Excellent, Good, Sufficient, or Poor based on a rolling four-year dataset.
Western Beach has historically been affected by pollution originating from across the border, resulting in classifications of Poor between 2016 and 2018. The beach subsequently improved to Sufficient in 2019 and Good from 2020 onwards. The new Excellent classification represents a significant and sustained improvement in water quality.
Due to its proximity to Spain and the potential for intermittent discharges originating outside of Gibraltar, Western Beach remains subject to a specific monitoring protocol designed to safeguard bathers. As part of this protocol, the Environmental Agency increases sampling frequency following rainfall or other conditions that may elevate risk. This ensures that any potential impacts are detected promptly and actions can be taken to protect bathers.
All other Gibraltar beaches - Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay, Sandy Bay, Little Bay and Camp Bay - continue to maintain ‘Excellent status’, reflecting consistently high water quality.
The Minister for the Environment, Dr John Cortes, welcomed the news: “Years of monitoring, engagement and persistent work behind the scenes have paid off. To see Western Beach finally reach ‘Excellent’ status is extremely encouraging, and it brings all of Gibraltar’s bathing waters into the highest category for the first time.”
Sampling in Gibraltar continues to exceed the minimum frequency required by the Directive and all results are published on the Environmental Agency’s website.
