River and sea water quality is the responsibility of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) who are located in Ayr (Tel No : 01292 294000). There are designated bathing beaches at Ardrossan South Beach/Saltcoats Beach, Irvine, Largs Pencil Beach, Newton Bay Millport and Seamill, where SEPA samples seawater at least once a fortnight from June to September.
Environmental Health publishes the results on display boards at the locations. They are updated as results are received from SEPA. Two sample failures mean that the beach has failed for the season.
Current Results|
In addition seaside awards have been granted for the beaches at Irvine, Ardrossan/Saltcoats, Largs Pencil and Millport.