Flooding blamed for dirty sea water.

THE government last night vowed to boost efforts to clean up the coastline after the latest European beaches report gave the thumbs down to the quality of bathing water at more than two dozen resorts.

The vast majority of the nation's favourite coastal areas meet strict EU bathing water cleanliness standards.

Llandanwg, near Harlech, is on the dirty list, along with the chic Cornish resort of Rock, Sandgate in Kent and 22 other swimming areas on the country's tourist map.

Heavy rain was to blame in most places.

"We're working to improve sewerage systems and are aware of the effect heavy rain and flooding can have on our coastal bathing waters" said a government spokesman.

"The role of sustainable drainage systems to combat this was highlighted as part of the draft Flood and Water Management Bill.

"The proposal to make connection to sewers subject to meeting new national standards will result in less water reaching sewerage treatment works and reduce flooding from overflows and pollution to beaches."

The spokesman went on: "Heavy rainfall or stormy weather can temporarily affect bathing water quality as the flow of water washes pollution into rivers and coastal waters through the sewage network.

"Farmland pollution can also temporarily affect bathing water quality, when heavy rainfall washes pollution into rivers and coastal waters through the sewage network. " The report is based on 2008 water cleanliness tests carried out at more than 21,000 bathing spots around the EU.

The large majority meet EU hygiene requirements - 96% of the total coastal bathing areas, and 92% of bathing sites in rivers and lakes were found to be up to standard.