Bathing water control according to the EEC Directive with a critical evaluation of coliforms as pollution indicators...

The Danish bathing water control system as it has been worked out on the basis of the EEC Directive is described. According to the national tradition a standard for E. coli which is more stringent that the mandatory value in the directive has been maintained. Additionally water which has not distinctly been appointed as bathing water is protected against deterioration in the national legislation. Local authorities have been authorized to prohibit dogs on the beaches. Results from 1978 show that 16284 samples were taken from 1525 sampling points. Acceptable water quality was proved at 1292 stations. Only at 23 stations did local authorities completely prohibit bathing activities. The coast has been classified as excellent, good or unfit for recreational use. In fig. 1 a survey of water quality for the whole country is indicated. The use of coliforms as pollution does not essentially improve the evaluation of the hygienic condition of the water at least in the marine environment.