The Scottish Government

Research

The Government has undertaken a number of projects to pilot innovative approaches to tackle the health risks to bathers. This has included:

• providing predictive information to allow bathers to make informed choices about whether to bathe or not, and
• measures to reduce the amount of farm-sourced bacteria being washed down into bathing waters.

Identifying bathing waters

Summary of Responses on Proposals for a Bathing Water Identification Strategy.

Aerial Survey of Scottish Beaches - July-September 2003 - Research Report. Aerial survey of Scottish beaches carried out in 2003 to inform Government on bathing water usage.

Bathing Water Use - TNS Travel and Tourism Survey - Report. A study of the uses and values placed upon beaches and recreational waters by the local population and visitors who are attracted to these locations

Bathing Water Use - TNS Travel and Tourism Survey - Summary. A summary of the report looking at the uses and values placed upon beaches and recreational waters by the local population and visitors who are attracted to these locations.

Tackling pollution

• Agricultural

Anaerobic digestion (biogas) and aerobic composting treatment of cattle waste. Research into the use of anaerobic digestion and aerobic composting to reduce micro-bacterial pollution of bathing waters. Also further research into the nutrient value for agriculture of biogas digestate.

Farm pilot projects. Research into the effectiveness of on-farm measures, for example, cow tracks, and steading roofing, in reducing the impact of cow slurry on bathing water quality.

Co-digesting animal slurry and human sewage sludge. Research into co-digesting animal slurry and human sewage sludge at a Scottish Water anaerobic digestion plant.

Impact of Agricultural Practices and Catchment Characteristics on Ayrshire Bathing Waters. This report reviews current farm manure management practices, land application of manure/slurry and the land characteristics in the River Irvine and Water of Girvan catchments.

Evaluation research into the effectiveness of field Best Management Practices at Brighouse Bay. Research evaluating whether maturity of water margin buffer zones leads to further reductions in faecal pollution levels.

• Urban

Retrofitting SUDS. Research into the practicalities of retrofitting Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems to deal with diffuse urban pollution.

• Microbial Source Tracking

Microbial Source Tracking. The Scottish Government has been involved in joint UK research led by the Environment Agency. This research project aimed to develop, test and establish routine procedures to determine the original host animal group of faecal bacteria found in water. Successful methods were identified for a range of animals and birds.

Informing bathers

Signage. Research into the use of predictive electronic variable messaging signs.