Water policy: quality of bathing water

In adopting the report by Mr Doeke EISMA (ELDR, NL) Parliament approved the proposal for a directive concerning the quality of bathing water. However it made amendments to the provisions and to the microbiological and physical and chemical parameters listed in the annexes and adopted a certain number of amendments dealing in particular with: - the scope of the directive: it should also cover the quality of water used for water sports; - the definition of 'bathing season': namely, the period during which people normally bathe in the light of the geographical situation, this period not being shorter than 2 months; - the definition of water of 'good quality': assessment of the good quality of water should be on the basis of two previous bathing seasons and the current bathing season; - information to the bathing public which is clear, uniform and easily understandable: notices should include information on general safety aspects and on where assistance may be obtained if needed; - the account to be taken of pollution sources produced by pleasure boats and yachts; - information to the public of the pollution risks through the press, radio and television; - the establishment of an advisory committee to assist the Commission; - postponement of the deadline for the transposition of the directive to 31 December 1997. �