FEWER beaches in the Island passed a strict test for clean bathing water during last year than in 2006.

Seven beaches instead of 11 passed the European Guide Standard test – a result described by Environment’s head of water resources Dr Tim du Feu as disappointing but understandable.

However, in the case of a less stringent test to assess water clean enough for bathing, Jersey scored better than in the UK.

All 16 beaches tested at this European Imperative Standard level passed – compared to the UK pass rate of 96.5 per cent.

The lower rates of compliance in the stricter test have been attributed to last summer’s poor weather, as there was more rain during the bathing season than for the past 30 years, leading to more surface run-off into the sea.

Beaches which reached the top grade despite the horrible weather included Archirondel, Gr่ve de Lecq, St Ouen’s Bay, St Brelade, Le Braye, Beauport and Portelet.