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Brightlingsea

Tendring, Anglian
Excellent Water Quality
Data last verified: 27 Sep 2026

Nestled on the Tendring coast, Brightlingsea boasts a picturesque estuary shoreline with soft sand beaches, perfect for a relaxing day out. The Environment Agency consistently rates the bathing water as Excellent, ensuring a safe and clean experience for visitors. During the summer months, the water temperature typically ranges from 18-20°C, ideal for swimming and water activities.

19°C
Air Temp
18 mph
Wind Speed
Low Tide
in 0h 47m
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Live Water Quality

95
Excellent
Safe for swimming
• Updated 10 mins ago
Today's Conditions • Updated 10 mins ago

Lifeguards

Unknown
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Air Temp

19°C
Comfortable

Weather

Rain showers
19°C

Tide

Low Tide
in 0h 47m

Water Quality

Excellent
Safe for swimming

Pollution Alerts

None
No alerts today

Quick Overview

Sandy beach
Family friendly
Dog friendly
(winter)
Parking nearby
Toilets
Café

Beach Information View all details

Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Excellent
Avg. Air Temp
19°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

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Reference Information

Full Tide Times
High 13:11 2.4m
Low 19:25 -2.3m
High 01:38 2.3m
Low 07:39 -1.9m
Sediment Type
Sand

The shoreline consists primarily of sand. Sediment type dictates underfoot comfort, wave energy absorption, and the water's clarity when currents stir up the seabed.

Annual Rating
Excellent

Water quality is classified as excellent, meeting the highest cleanliness standards. Bacterial counts (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) are consistently low, posing negligible health risks.

Rainfall Impact
Low Risk

This bathing water is generally resilient and has a low risk of quality degradation after heavy summer storm events.

Monitoring Authority
Environment Agency

Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.

Water Body Type
Estuary / Transitional Water

Monitored as a transitional or estuarine bathing water. Estuarine sites experience a mix of tidal ocean flushing and river discharge, causing fluctuating salinity and water quality.

Sewerage Provider
Anglian Water Services Limited

Anglian Water Services Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.

Designated Year
1988

Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 1988. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.

County / District
Tendring

Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the Tendring area.

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