Gwynedd has been recognised as a European hotspot for clean bathing water.

There are 19 designated bathing areas in Gwynedd which have been recognised for their high quality water including a number in Meirionnydd and Dwyfor.

In Meirionnydd they are Harlech, Llandanwg, Dyffryn, Tal-y-bont, Barmouth, Fairbourne, Tywyn, Aberdyfi rural beach and Aberdyfi beach, and in Dwyfor they are Craig Du beach central, Criccieth; Glan Don Beach, Pwllheli; Abersoch, Porth Neigwl, Aberdaron and Morfa Nefyn.

Factors which can affect the quality of the bathing water are heavy rainfall, pollution from sewage and water draining from farms and farmland.

The quality of the bathing water was deduced from water samplings taken by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) during bathing season this year from 15 May to 30 September.

Minister for environment, energy and rural affairs, Lesley Griffiths said: “We all know Wales has some of the most stunning coastline in Europe and the statistics prove we officially have some of the cleanest bathing water too.

“This is no fluke – I pay tribute to our partners including NRW, D?r Cymru/Welsh Water and local authorities who all play a vital role in maintaining the high quality of our bathing water.”

Ceri Davies, executive director of evidence, policy and permitting for NRW, said: “Ensuring our bathing waters are safe and clean for people and wildlife is a huge part of our job and we are particularly pleased all of our 105 designated bathing waters continue to meet EU quality standards.

“We remain committed to working with our partners to improve and protect the wonderful Welsh coastline, to maintaining the highest standards for all those who work, play and live in and around our waters.”

To see a map detailing a full list of all the designated bathing areas in Gwynedd, as well as the rest of Wales, please go to http://environment.data.gov.uk/wales/bathing-waters/profiles/

In Wales 83 out of 105 designated bathing waters achieved the EU’s highest classification of ‘excellent’, up from last year’s figure of 78.

Seventeen areas were classified as ‘good’ and five were classified as ‘sufficient’.

No areas have been classified as ‘poor’.