A Hampshire beach has been awarded a 'Brown Flag Award' for having some of the poorest water quality in the country.

Southsea East Beach was included on a list from Holiday Park Guru after analysing Environment Agency water quality data.

The data was based on readings taken in the warmer months (from the middle of May to late September) last year.

Beaches are rated poor by the Environment Agency based on their levels of bacteria such as E. coli from sewage and other waste.

The full list of beaches awarded a 'Brown Flag Award' can be found on the Holiday Park Guru website here.

Southsea Beach as a whole is well-received by visitors with it having a 4/5 rating on Tripadvisor from 329 reviews.

Local council looking to improve water quality at Southsea East beach

In July last year, Portsmouth City Council expressed concern about the water quality at Southsea East Beach which had fallen from an 'Excellent' rating in 2019 to a 'sufficient' rating in 2022.

After the testing period in 2023, the water quality was designated as 'poor' by the Environment Agency and there are recommendations not to bathe in this area.

Back in January 2024, Portsmouth City Council said they were working in conjunction with the Environment Agency to investigate the cause of the drop in water quality.

Councillor Steve Pitt said at the time: “We are extremely concerned, as Portsmouth residents will be, about the water quality at Southsea and the impact on the marine environment.

"People should have confidence in the water they swim in, and the council is working hard to support the Environment Agency in every way possible to find and fix the problem.”

Partnership work had taken place to "resolve the sources of contamination" which included clearing private drains.

Recommended reading:

The council shared: "The foul connection from south to the Southern Low was found to be partially blocked and has now been now cleared, and fractures on the line repaired."

It added: "Other potential causes, including the sewer in Alhambra Road, have been investigated and discounted.

"The issue is not due to the sea defence work currently taking place, the old pumping station nearby, or linked to seagull waste, as had been speculated, councillors were told."